USMV vs. SMH

Last updated Jun 21, 2026

USMV (iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF) and SMH (VanEck Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - USMV is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the MSCI USA Minimum Volatility Index, while SMH is a Semiconductors fund tracking the MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, USMV returned 9.68%/yr vs 38.22%/yr for SMH. A 0.53 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. USMV charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for SMH.

Performance

USMV vs. SMH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (USMV) 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, USMV achieves a 0.81% return, which is significantly lower than SMH's 83.23% return. Over the past 10 years, USMV has underperformed SMH with an annualized return of 9.68%, while SMH has yielded a comparatively higher 38.22% annualized return.

USMV

• 1D: -0.42%
• 1M: -2.42%
• YTD: 0.81%
• 6M: 0.85%
• 1Y: 4.23%
• 3Y*: 10.26%
• 5Y*: 7.31%
• 10Y*: 9.68%

SMH

• 1D: 5.76%
• 1M: 14.50%
• YTD: 83.23%
• 6M: 85.82%
• 1Y: 154.33%
• 3Y*: 63.38%
• 5Y*: 40.67%
• 10Y*: 38.22%

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

USMV vs. SMH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
USMV iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF	0.81%	7.65%	15.74%	10.33%	-9.43%	20.85%	5.64%	27.69%	1.33%	18.91%
SMH VanEck Semiconductor ETF	83.23%	49.17%	39.10%	73.38%	-33.53%	42.13%	55.53%	64.45%	-9.05%	38.48%

Correlation

The correlation between USMV and SMH is 0.11, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.11
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.28
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.44
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.49
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 20, 2011	0.53

Over the past year, the correlation between USMV and SMH has dropped to 0.11 - well below their long-term average of 0.53, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

USMV vs. SMH - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	USMV	SMH
Technology	33.9%	100.0%
Healthcare	12.6%	-
Financial Services	11.7%	-
Consumer Defensive	9.4%	-
Utilities	6.9%	-
Communication Services	6.2%	-
Industrials	6.1%	-
Consumer Cyclical	5.7%	-
Energy	2.7%	-
Real Estate	2.5%	-
Basic Materials	2.4%	-

Return for Risk

USMV vs. SMH — Risk / Return Rank

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

USMV

USMV Risk / Return Rank: 16
USMV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 16
USMV Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
USMV Omega Ratio Rank: 14
USMV Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
USMV Martin Ratio Rank: 19

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.

USMV vs. SMH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (USMV) 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.

	USMV	SMH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.50	4.49	-3.99
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.75	4.50	-3.74
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.09	1.64	-0.55
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.66	10.25	-9.58
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.18	37.49	-35.31

USMV vs. SMH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current USMV Sharpe Ratio is 0.50, which is lower than the SMH Sharpe Ratio of 4.49. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of USMV 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

USMV vs. SMH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum USMV drawdown since its inception was -33.10%, smaller than the maximum SMH drawdown of -84.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for USMV and SMH.

Drawdown Indicators

	USMV	SMH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.10%	-84.96%	+51.86%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.46%	-14.93%	+8.47%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.36%	-35.74%	+26.38%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.93%	-45.30%	+27.37%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.10%	-45.30%	+12.20%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.95%	0.00%	-2.95%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.87%	-41.02%	+38.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.96%	4.07%	-2.11%

Volatility

USMV vs. SMH - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (USMV) is 2.62%, while VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) has a volatility of 17.53%. This indicates that USMV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SMH based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	USMV	SMH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.62%	17.53%	-14.91%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.13%	28.48%	-22.35%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.60%	34.09%	-25.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.36%	35.67%	-23.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.51%	32.94%	-18.43%

USMV vs. SMH - Expense Ratio Comparison

USMV has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is lower than SMH's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

USMV vs. SMH - Dividend Comparison

USMV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.53%, 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%
USMV iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF	1.53%	1.49%	1.67%	1.82%	1.62%	1.26%	1.81%	1.88%	2.12%	1.77%	2.22%	2.02%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both USMV and SMH in my portfolio?

USMV and SMH have a correlation of 0.11, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, USMV or SMH?

SMH has higher volatility (17.53%) compared to USMV (2.62%). In terms of maximum drawdown, USMV dropped -33.10% vs SMH's -84.96%.

Which ETF is better, USMV or SMH?

On 10-year performance, SMH leads with 38.22% vs 9.68% for USMV. On fees, USMV is cheaper at 0.15% per year. On volatility, USMV has been the lower-risk option at 2.62%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, USMV or SMH?

Over the 10-year period, SMH has performed better with a 38.22% return vs 9.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, USMV or SMH?

USMV is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for SMH.

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

USMV has the higher dividend yield at 1.53%, compared with 0.17% for SMH.

What is the main difference between USMV and SMH?

USMV is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while SMH is Semiconductors. USMV tracks MSCI USA Minimum Volatility Index, while SMH tracks MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for USMV and 0.35% for SMH.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.49 vs 0.50), 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.