SOXY vs. SMHX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SOXY (YieldMax Target 12™ Semiconductor Option Income ETF) and SMHX (VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SOXY is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by YieldMax, while SMHX is a Semiconductors fund tracking the MarketVector™ US Listed Fabless Semiconductor Index. SOXY is actively managed, while SMHX is passively managed. Over the past year, SOXY returned 139.16% vs 113.51% for SMHX. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SOXY charges 1.06%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for SMHX.

Performance

SOXY vs. SMHX - 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 Fabless Semiconductor ETF (SMHX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SOXY achieves a 87.64% return, which is significantly higher than SMHX's 64.32% return.

SOXY

• 1D: -7.22%
• 1M: 12.67%
• YTD: 87.64%
• 6M: 87.31%
• 1Y: 139.16%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SMHX

• 1D: -5.60%
• 1M: 3.65%
• YTD: 64.32%
• 6M: 61.18%
• 1Y: 113.51%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SOXY vs. SMHX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SOXY YieldMax Target 12™ Semiconductor Option Income ETF	87.64%	37.00%	-0.99%
SMHX VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF	64.32%	30.00%	4.61%

Correlation

The correlation between SOXY and SMHX 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 3, 2024	0.93

The correlation between SOXY and SMHX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

SOXY vs. SMHX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SOXY	SMHX
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. SMHX — Risk / Return Rank

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

SOXY

SOXY Risk / Return Rank: 95
SOXY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
SOXY Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
SOXY Omega Ratio Rank: 93
SOXY Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
SOXY Martin Ratio Rank: 96

SMHX

SMHX Risk / Return Rank: 87
SMHX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
SMHX Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
SMHX Omega Ratio Rank: 81
SMHX Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
SMHX Martin Ratio Rank: 87

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. SMHX - 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 Fabless Semiconductor ETF (SMHX). 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	SMHX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	4.12	3.11	+1.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.25	3.36	+0.89
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.61	1.46	+0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	10.23	6.69	+3.54
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	36.22	17.96	+18.26

SOXY vs. SMHX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SOXY Sharpe Ratio is 4.12, which is higher than the SMHX Sharpe Ratio of 3.11. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SOXY and SMHX, 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. SMHX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SOXY drawdown since its inception was -30.22%, smaller than the maximum SMHX drawdown of -38.53%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SOXY and SMHX.

Drawdown Indicators

	SOXY	SMHX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-30.22%	-38.53%	+8.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.68%	-17.06%	+3.38%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.22%	-7.91%	+0.69%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.91%	-7.34%	+2.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.86%	6.34%	-2.48%

Volatility

SOXY vs. SMHX - Volatility Comparison

YieldMax Target 12™ Semiconductor Option Income ETF (SOXY) and VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF (SMHX) have volatilities of 20.19% and 19.93%, 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

	SOXY	SMHX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	20.19%	19.93%	+0.26%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	29.34%	29.76%	-0.42%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	33.96%	36.70%	-2.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	36.83%	41.48%	-4.65%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	36.83%	41.48%	-4.65%

SOXY vs. SMHX - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

SOXY vs. SMHX - Dividend Comparison

SOXY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.38%, more than SMHX's 0.01% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
SMHX VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF	0.01%	0.02%	0.04%
SOXY YieldMax Target 12™ Semiconductor Option Income ETF	7.38%	11.47%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SOXY and SMHX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, SOXY and SMHX 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 SMHX?

SOXY has higher volatility (20.19%) compared to SMHX (19.93%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SOXY dropped -30.22% vs SMHX's -38.53%.

Which ETF is better, SOXY or SMHX?

On 1-year performance, SOXY leads with 139.16% vs 113.51% for SMHX. On fees, SMHX is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, SMHX has been the lower-risk option at 19.93%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SOXY or SMHX?

Over the 1-year period, SOXY has performed better with a 139.16% return vs 113.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SOXY or SMHX?

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

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

SOXY has the higher dividend yield at 7.38%, compared with 0.01% for SMHX.

What is the main difference between SOXY and SMHX?

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

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SOXY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.12 vs 3.11), 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.