TEK vs. SOXX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

TEK (iShares Technology Opportunities Active ETF) and SOXX (iShares Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - TEK is a Technology Equities fund actively managed by iShares, while SOXX is a Semiconductors fund tracking the NYSE Semiconductor Index. TEK is actively managed, while SOXX is passively managed. Over the past year, TEK returned 54.20% vs 167.63% for SOXX. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. TEK charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.34%/yr for SOXX.

Performance

TEK vs. SOXX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Technology Opportunities Active ETF (TEK) and iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TEK achieves a 35.29% return, which is significantly lower than SOXX's 100.58% return.

TEK

• 1D: -6.11%
• 1M: 2.84%
• YTD: 35.29%
• 6M: 34.17%
• 1Y: 54.20%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SOXX

• 1D: -7.88%
• 1M: 12.35%
• YTD: 100.58%
• 6M: 98.07%
• 1Y: 167.63%
• 3Y*: 56.18%
• 5Y*: 33.69%
• 10Y*: 36.08%

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

TEK vs. SOXX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
TEK iShares Technology Opportunities Active ETF	35.29%	18.63%	2.63%
SOXX iShares Semiconductor ETF	100.58%	40.74%	-5.72%

Correlation

The correlation between TEK and SOXX is 0.82, 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	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 22, 2024	0.83

The correlation between TEK and SOXX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.83 - a consistent structural relationship.

TEK vs. SOXX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	TEK	SOXX
Technology	85.9%	100.0%
Communication Services	6.1%	-
Consumer Cyclical	4.0%	-
Industrials	2.8%	-
Basic Materials	0.9%	-
Financial Services	0.4%	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

TEK vs. SOXX — Risk / Return Rank

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

TEK

TEK Risk / Return Rank: 57
TEK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
TEK Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
TEK Omega Ratio Rank: 57
TEK Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
TEK Martin Ratio Rank: 51

SOXX

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

TEK vs. SOXX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Technology Opportunities Active ETF (TEK) and iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX). 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.

	TEK	SOXX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.86	4.28	-2.42
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.39	4.15	-1.75
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.60	-0.27
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.82	10.70	-7.88
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.01	38.46	-30.45

TEK vs. SOXX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TEK Sharpe Ratio is 1.86, which is lower than the SOXX Sharpe Ratio of 4.28. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TEK and SOXX, 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

TEK vs. SOXX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TEK drawdown since its inception was -28.24%, smaller than the maximum SOXX drawdown of -70.21%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TEK and SOXX.

Drawdown Indicators

	TEK	SOXX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.24%	-70.21%	+41.97%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.29%	-15.77%	-3.52%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-41.36%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-45.75%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-45.75%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.11%	-7.88%	+1.77%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.87%	-19.94%	+14.07%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.79%	4.38%	+2.41%

Volatility

TEK vs. SOXX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Technology Opportunities Active ETF (TEK) is 15.85%, while iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) has a volatility of 22.75%. This indicates that TEK experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SOXX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TEK	SOXX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	15.85%	22.75%	-6.90%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	25.14%	33.44%	-8.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	29.32%	39.42%	-10.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	30.82%	37.21%	-6.39%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	30.82%	34.00%	-3.18%

TEK vs. SOXX - Expense Ratio Comparison

TEK has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than SOXX's 0.34% expense ratio.

Dividends

TEK vs. SOXX - Dividend Comparison

TEK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.17%, more than SOXX's 0.24% 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%
TEK iShares Technology Opportunities Active ETF	1.17%	1.62%	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 TEK and SOXX in my portfolio?

TEK and SOXX have a correlation of 0.82, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, TEK or SOXX?

SOXX has higher volatility (22.75%) compared to TEK (15.85%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TEK dropped -28.24% vs SOXX's -70.21%.

Which ETF is better, TEK or SOXX?

On 1-year performance, SOXX leads with 167.63% vs 54.20% for TEK. On fees, SOXX is cheaper at 0.34% per year. On volatility, TEK has been the lower-risk option at 15.85%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TEK or SOXX?

Over the 1-year period, SOXX has performed better with a 167.63% return vs 54.20%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TEK or SOXX?

SOXX is cheaper with a 0.34% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for TEK.

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

TEK has the higher dividend yield at 1.17%, compared with 0.24% for SOXX.

What is the main difference between TEK and SOXX?

TEK is categorized as Technology Equities, while SOXX is Semiconductors. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for TEK and 0.34% for SOXX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SOXX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.28 vs 1.86), 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.