SOXX vs. XSD

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

SOXX (iShares Semiconductor ETF) and XSD (SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF) are both Semiconductors funds - SOXX tracks the NYSE Semiconductor Index while XSD tracks the S&P Semiconductor Select Industry Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SOXX returned 36.04%/yr vs 30.40%/yr for XSD. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SOXX charges 0.34%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for XSD.

Performance

SOXX vs. XSD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) and SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (XSD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SOXX achieves a 99.95% return, which is significantly higher than XSD's 83.62% return. Over the past 10 years, SOXX has outperformed XSD with an annualized return of 36.04%, while XSD has yielded a comparatively lower 30.40% annualized return.

SOXX

• 1D: -0.31%
• 1M: 12.00%
• YTD: 99.95%
• 6M: 96.69%
• 1Y: 157.04%
• 3Y*: 56.02%
• 5Y*: 33.68%
• 10Y*: 36.04%

XSD

• 1D: -2.26%
• 1M: -2.27%
• YTD: 83.62%
• 6M: 78.82%
• 1Y: 132.93%
• 3Y*: 42.01%
• 5Y*: 26.25%
• 10Y*: 30.40%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

SOXX vs. XSD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SOXX iShares Semiconductor ETF	99.95%	40.74%	12.92%	67.12%	-35.09%	44.09%	52.72%	62.42%	-6.49%	39.79%
XSD SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF	83.62%	29.85%	10.75%	34.87%	-30.92%	42.54%	61.95%	64.66%	-6.35%	25.21%

Correlation

The correlation between SOXX and XSD is 0.91, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 6, 2006	0.94

The correlation between SOXX and XSD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

SOXX vs. XSD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SOXX	XSD
Technology	100.0%	98.0%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	2.0%
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

SOXX vs. XSD — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

SOXX

SOXX Risk / Return Rank: 95
SOXX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
SOXX Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
SOXX Omega Ratio Rank: 93
SOXX Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
SOXX Martin Ratio Rank: 97

XSD

XSD Risk / Return Rank: 91
XSD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
XSD Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
XSD Omega Ratio Rank: 86
XSD Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
XSD Martin Ratio Rank: 94

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

SOXX vs. XSD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) and SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (XSD). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	SOXX	XSD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	4.02	3.29	+0.73
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.99	3.52	+0.46
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.57	1.47	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	10.02	7.19	+2.84
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	35.78	23.53	+12.25

SOXX vs. XSD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SOXX Sharpe Ratio is 4.02, which is comparable to the XSD Sharpe Ratio of 3.29. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SOXX and XSD, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

SOXX vs. XSD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SOXX drawdown since its inception was -70.21%, which is greater than XSD's maximum drawdown of -64.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SOXX and XSD.

Drawdown Indicators

	SOXX	XSD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-70.21%	-64.56%	-5.65%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.77%	-18.61%	+2.84%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-41.36%	-41.25%	-0.11%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-45.75%	-42.27%	-3.48%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.75%	-42.27%	-3.48%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.17%	-9.16%	+0.99%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.94%	-13.72%	-6.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.41%	5.67%	-1.26%

Volatility

SOXX vs. XSD - Volatility Comparison

iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) and SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (XSD) have volatilities of 22.70% and 22.40%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SOXX	XSD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	22.70%	22.40%	+0.30%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	33.39%	33.58%	-0.19%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	39.43%	40.82%	-1.39%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	37.20%	39.20%	-2.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	33.99%	35.44%	-1.45%

SOXX vs. XSD - Expense Ratio Comparison

SOXX has a 0.34% expense ratio, which is lower than XSD's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

SOXX vs. XSD - Dividend Comparison

SOXX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.24%, more than XSD's 0.13% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SOXX iShares Semiconductor ETF	0.24%	0.57%	0.67%	0.78%	1.26%	0.64%	0.81%	1.23%	1.37%	0.90%	1.08%	1.29%
XSD SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF	0.13%	0.26%	0.20%	0.31%	0.44%	0.10%	0.26%	0.51%	1.16%	0.59%	0.64%	0.58%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SOXX and XSD in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, SOXX and XSD move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, SOXX or XSD?

SOXX has higher volatility (22.70%) compared to XSD (22.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SOXX dropped -70.21% vs XSD's -64.56%.

Which ETF is better, SOXX or XSD?

On 10-year performance, SOXX leads with 36.04% vs 30.40% for XSD. On fees, SOXX is cheaper at 0.34% per year. On volatility, XSD has been the lower-risk option at 22.40%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SOXX or XSD?

Over the 10-year period, SOXX has performed better with a 36.04% return vs 30.40%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SOXX or XSD?

SOXX is cheaper with a 0.34% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for XSD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SOXX or XSD?

SOXX has the higher dividend yield at 0.24%, compared with 0.13% for XSD.

What is the main difference between SOXX and XSD?

SOXX tracks NYSE Semiconductor Index, while XSD tracks S&P Semiconductor Select Industry Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.34% for SOXX and 0.35% for XSD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SOXX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.02 vs 3.29), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.