TRUC vs. SMH

Last updated Jun 30, 2026

TRUC (VanEck Communication Services TruSector ETF) and SMH (VanEck Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - TRUC is a Communications Equities fund managed by VanEck, while SMH is a Semiconductors fund tracking the MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. At a 0.38 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. TRUC charges 0.14%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for SMH.

Performance

TRUC vs. SMH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Communication Services TruSector ETF (TRUC) and VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

TRUC

• 1D: 2.42%
• 1M: -7.33%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SMH

• 1D: 3.33%
• 1M: 5.52%
• YTD: 75.49%
• 6M: 73.52%
• 1Y: 127.69%
• 3Y*: 61.44%
• 5Y*: 37.79%
• 10Y*: 37.70%

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

TRUC vs. SMH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
TRUC VanEck Communication Services TruSector ETF	-1.06%
SMH VanEck Semiconductor ETF	53.19%

Correlation

The correlation between TRUC and SMH is 0.38, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 19, 2026	0.38

Return for Risk

TRUC vs. SMH — Risk / Return Rank

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

TRUC

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

SMH

SMH Risk / Return Rank: 95
SMH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
SMH Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
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.

TRUC vs. SMH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Communication Services TruSector ETF (TRUC) 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.

	TRUC	SMH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	3.65	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	3.80	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.54	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	8.60	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	30.63	—

Drawdowns

TRUC vs. SMH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TRUC drawdown since its inception was -11.47%, smaller than the maximum SMH drawdown of -84.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TRUC and SMH.

Drawdown Indicators

	TRUC	SMH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-11.47%	-84.96%	+73.49%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-14.93%	—
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	-9.29%	-5.52%	-3.77%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.20%	-40.99%	+37.79%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	4.18%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	TRUC	SMH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	19.49%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	29.69%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.79%	35.27%	-15.48%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.79%	35.90%	-16.11%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.79%	32.99%	-13.20%

TRUC vs. SMH - Expense Ratio Comparison

TRUC has a 0.14% expense ratio, which is lower than SMH's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

TRUC vs. SMH - Dividend Comparison

TRUC has not paid dividends to shareholders, while SMH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.17%.

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%
TRUC VanEck Communication Services TruSector ETF	0.00%	0.00%	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 TRUC and SMH in my portfolio?

TRUC and SMH have a correlation of 0.38, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, TRUC or SMH?

On fees, TRUC is cheaper at 0.14% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, TRUC or SMH?

TRUC is cheaper with a 0.14% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for SMH.

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

SMH has the higher dividend yield at 0.17%, compared with 0.00% for TRUC.

What is the main difference between TRUC and SMH?

TRUC is categorized as Communications Equities, while SMH is Semiconductors. Their fees differ too: 0.14% for TRUC and 0.35% for SMH.