SOXY vs. SMH

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

SOXY (YieldMax Target 12™ Semiconductor Option Income ETF) and SMH (VanEck Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SOXY is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by YieldMax, while SMH is a Semiconductors fund tracking the MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. SOXY is actively managed, while SMH is passively managed. Over the past year, SOXY returned 160.12% vs 157.81% for SMH. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. SOXY charges 1.06%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for SMH.

Performance

SOXY vs. SMH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in YieldMax Target 12™ Semiconductor Option Income ETF (SOXY) and VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SOXY achieves a 102.24% return, which is significantly higher than SMH's 85.74% return.

SOXY

• 1D: 1.77%
• 1M: 21.43%
• YTD: 102.24%
• 6M: 104.03%
• 1Y: 160.12%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SMH

• 1D: 1.37%
• 1M: 16.07%
• YTD: 85.74%
• 6M: 85.96%
• 1Y: 157.81%
• 3Y*: 66.26%
• 5Y*: 40.65%
• 10Y*: 38.85%

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

SOXY vs. SMH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SOXY YieldMax Target 12™ Semiconductor Option Income ETF	102.24%	37.00%	-0.99%
SMH VanEck Semiconductor ETF	85.74%	49.17%	-1.87%

Correlation

The correlation between SOXY and SMH is 0.97 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 3, 2024	0.98

The correlation between SOXY and SMH has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

SOXY vs. SMH - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SOXY	SMH
Technology	99.8%	100.0%
Financial Services	0.1%	-
Consumer Defensive	0.0%	-
Healthcare	0.0%	-
Industrials	0.0%	-
Basic Materials	0.0%	-
Energy	0.0%	-
Communication Services	0.0%	-
Consumer Cyclical	0.0%	-
Utilities	0.0%	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

SOXY vs. SMH — Risk / Return Rank

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

SOXY

SOXY Risk / Return Rank: 96
SOXY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
SOXY Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
SOXY Omega Ratio Rank: 95
SOXY Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
SOXY Martin Ratio Rank: 97

SMH

SMH Risk / Return Rank: 96
SMH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
SMH Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
SMH Omega Ratio Rank: 94
SMH Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
SMH Martin Ratio Rank: 97

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.

SOXY vs. SMH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for YieldMax Target 12™ Semiconductor Option Income ETF (SOXY) and VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH). 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.

	SOXY	SMH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	4.87	4.66	+0.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.90	4.60	+0.30
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.69	1.66	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	11.78	10.63	+1.14
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	41.98	38.91	+3.07

SOXY vs. SMH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SOXY Sharpe Ratio is 4.87, which is comparable to the SMH Sharpe Ratio of 4.66. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SOXY and SMH, 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

SOXY vs. SMH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SOXY drawdown since its inception was -30.22%, smaller than the maximum SMH drawdown of -84.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SOXY and SMH.

Drawdown Indicators

	SOXY	SMH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-30.22%	-84.96%	+54.74%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.68%	-14.93%	+1.25%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-35.74%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-45.30%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-45.30%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.91%	-41.01%	+36.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.83%	4.07%	-0.24%

Volatility

SOXY vs. SMH - Volatility Comparison

YieldMax Target 12™ Semiconductor Option Income ETF (SOXY) has a higher volatility of 18.30% compared to VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) at 17.29%. This indicates that SOXY's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SMH based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SOXY	SMH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	18.30%	17.29%	+1.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	28.26%	28.18%	+0.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	33.16%	34.14%	-0.98%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	36.37%	35.68%	+0.69%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	36.37%	32.95%	+3.42%

SOXY vs. SMH - Expense Ratio Comparison

SOXY has a 1.06% expense ratio, which is higher than SMH's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

SOXY vs. SMH - Dividend Comparison

SOXY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.85%, more than SMH's 0.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SMH VanEck Semiconductor ETF	0.17%	0.31%	0.44%	0.60%	1.18%	0.51%	0.69%	1.50%	1.88%	1.43%	0.80%	2.14%
SOXY YieldMax Target 12™ Semiconductor Option Income ETF	6.85%	11.47%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SOXY and SMH in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, SOXY and SMH 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, SOXY or SMH?

SOXY has higher volatility (18.30%) compared to SMH (17.29%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SOXY dropped -30.22% vs SMH's -84.96%.

Which ETF is better, SOXY or SMH?

On 1-year performance, SOXY leads with 160.12% vs 157.81% for SMH. On fees, SMH is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, SMH has been the lower-risk option at 17.29%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SOXY or SMH?

Over the 1-year period, SOXY has performed better with a 160.12% return vs 157.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SOXY or SMH?

SMH is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 1.06% for SOXY.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SOXY or SMH?

SOXY has the higher dividend yield at 6.85%, compared with 0.17% for SMH.

What is the main difference between SOXY and SMH?

SOXY is categorized as Derivative Income, while SMH is Semiconductors. They also come from different issuers: YieldMax and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 1.06% for SOXY and 0.35% for SMH.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SOXY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.87 vs 4.66), 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.