TRFK vs. SMH

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

TRFK (Pacer Data and Digital Revolution ETF) and SMH (VanEck Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - TRFK is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Pacer Data Transmission and Communication Revolution Index - Benchmark TR Net, while SMH is a Semiconductors fund tracking the MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, TRFK returned 50.39%/yr vs 62.01%/yr for SMH. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. TRFK charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for SMH.

Performance

TRFK vs. SMH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Pacer Data and Digital Revolution ETF (TRFK) 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, TRFK achieves a 59.85% return, which is significantly lower than SMH's 71.86% return.

TRFK

• 1D: -0.97%
• 1M: 8.33%
• YTD: 59.85%
• 6M: 57.97%
• 1Y: 78.85%
• 3Y*: 50.39%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SMH

• 1D: -0.50%
• 1M: 7.39%
• YTD: 71.86%
• 6M: 69.95%
• 1Y: 128.64%
• 3Y*: 62.01%
• 5Y*: 38.15%
• 10Y*: 37.78%

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

TRFK vs. SMH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
TRFK Pacer Data and Digital Revolution ETF	59.85%	26.81%	38.30%	66.63%	-10.61%
SMH VanEck Semiconductor ETF	71.86%	49.17%	39.10%	73.38%	-14.04%

Correlation

The correlation between TRFK and SMH is 0.84, 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	0.84
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 9, 2022	0.89

The correlation between TRFK and SMH has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.89 - a consistent structural relationship.

TRFK vs. SMH - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	TRFK	SMH
Technology	87.5%	100.0%
Industrials	12.0%	-
Communication Services	0.6%	-
Real Estate	0.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

TRFK vs. SMH — Risk / Return Rank

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

TRFK

TRFK Risk / Return Rank: 76
TRFK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
TRFK Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
TRFK Omega Ratio Rank: 75
TRFK Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
TRFK Martin Ratio Rank: 60

SMH

SMH Risk / Return Rank: 94
SMH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
SMH Sortino Ratio Rank: 91
SMH Omega Ratio Rank: 92
SMH Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
SMH Martin Ratio Rank: 96

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.

TRFK vs. SMH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Pacer Data and Digital Revolution ETF (TRFK) 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.

	TRFK	SMH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.48	3.73	-1.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.96	3.87	-0.90
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.55	-0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.05	8.67	-4.61
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.50	31.31	-21.82

TRFK vs. SMH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TRFK Sharpe Ratio is 2.48, which is lower than the SMH Sharpe Ratio of 3.73. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TRFK 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

TRFK vs. SMH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TRFK drawdown since its inception was -29.06%, smaller than the maximum SMH drawdown of -84.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TRFK and SMH.

Drawdown Indicators

	TRFK	SMH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-29.06%	-84.96%	+55.90%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-19.56%	-14.93%	-4.63%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.06%	-35.74%	+6.68%
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	-7.89%	-7.47%	-0.42%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.04%	-41.00%	+34.96%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.33%	4.12%	+4.21%

Volatility

TRFK vs. SMH - Volatility Comparison

Pacer Data and Digital Revolution ETF (TRFK) and VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) have volatilities of 18.39% and 19.07%, 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

	TRFK	SMH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	18.39%	19.07%	-0.68%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	26.41%	29.12%	-2.71%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	32.02%	34.88%	-2.86%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.83%	35.82%	-5.99%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.83%	32.96%	-3.13%

TRFK vs. SMH - Expense Ratio Comparison

TRFK has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than SMH's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

TRFK vs. SMH - Dividend Comparison

TRFK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.01%, less than SMH's 0.18% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SMH VanEck Semiconductor ETF	0.18%	0.31%	0.44%	0.60%	1.18%	0.51%	0.69%	1.50%	1.88%	1.43%	0.80%	2.14%
TRFK Pacer Data and Digital Revolution ETF	0.01%	0.01%	0.40%	0.20%	0.56%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TRFK and SMH in my portfolio?

TRFK and SMH have a correlation of 0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, TRFK or SMH?

SMH has higher volatility (19.07%) compared to TRFK (18.39%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TRFK dropped -29.06% vs SMH's -84.96%.

Which ETF is better, TRFK or SMH?

On 3-year performance, SMH leads with 62.01% vs 50.39% for TRFK. On fees, SMH is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, TRFK has been the lower-risk option at 18.39%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TRFK or SMH?

Over the 3-year period, SMH has performed better with a 62.01% return vs 50.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TRFK or SMH?

SMH is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for TRFK.

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

SMH has the higher dividend yield at 0.18%, compared with 0.01% for TRFK.

What is the main difference between TRFK and SMH?

TRFK is categorized as Technology Equities, while SMH is Semiconductors. TRFK tracks Pacer Data Transmission and Communication Revolution Index - Benchmark TR Net, while SMH tracks MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. They also come from different issuers: Pacer and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for TRFK and 0.35% for SMH.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.73 vs 2.48), 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.