USXF vs. SMH

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

USXF (iShares ESG Advanced MSCI USA ETF) and SMH (VanEck Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - USXF is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the MSCI USA Choice ESG Screened Index, while SMH is a Semiconductors fund tracking the MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, USXF returned 15.57%/yr vs 40.65%/yr for SMH. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. USXF charges 0.10%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for SMH.

Performance

USXF vs. SMH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares ESG Advanced MSCI USA ETF (USXF) 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, USXF achieves a 21.17% return, which is significantly lower than SMH's 85.74% return.

USXF

• 1D: 0.37%
• 1M: 4.92%
• YTD: 21.17%
• 6M: 20.48%
• 1Y: 36.70%
• 3Y*: 26.99%
• 5Y*: 15.57%
• 10Y*: —

SMH

• 1D: 1.37%
• 1M: 16.07%
• YTD: 85.74%
• 6M: 85.96%
• 1Y: 157.81%
• 3Y*: 66.26%
• 5Y*: 40.65%
• 10Y*: 38.85%

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

USXF vs. SMH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
USXF iShares ESG Advanced MSCI USA ETF	21.17%	16.97%	26.16%	31.65%	-21.20%	27.14%	23.07%
SMH VanEck Semiconductor ETF	85.74%	49.17%	39.10%	73.38%	-33.53%	42.13%	44.97%

Correlation

The correlation between USXF and SMH is 0.86, 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	0.86
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.88
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 18, 2020	0.84

The correlation between USXF and SMH has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.88 - a consistent structural relationship.

USXF vs. SMH - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	USXF	SMH
Technology	55.7%	100.0%
Financial Services	14.5%	-
Industrials	7.8%	-
Consumer Cyclical	6.4%	-
Healthcare	5.3%	-
Real Estate	3.7%	-
Basic Materials	2.2%	-
Communication Services	1.9%	-
Utilities	1.3%	-
Consumer Defensive	0.9%	-
Energy	0.1%	-

Return for Risk

USXF vs. SMH — Risk / Return Rank

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

USXF

USXF Risk / Return Rank: 68
USXF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
USXF Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
USXF Omega Ratio Rank: 64
USXF Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
USXF Martin Ratio Rank: 76

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.

USXF vs. SMH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares ESG Advanced MSCI USA ETF (USXF) 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.

	USXF	SMH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.12	4.66	-2.54
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.79	4.60	-1.81
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.66	-0.28
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.62	10.63	-7.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.89	38.91	-25.01

USXF vs. SMH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current USXF Sharpe Ratio is 2.12, which is lower than the SMH Sharpe Ratio of 4.66. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of USXF 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

USXF vs. SMH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum USXF drawdown since its inception was -29.54%, smaller than the maximum SMH drawdown of -84.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for USXF and SMH.

Drawdown Indicators

	USXF	SMH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-29.54%	-84.96%	+55.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.19%	-14.93%	+4.74%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.93%	-35.74%	+14.81%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.54%	-45.30%	+15.76%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-45.30%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.18%	0.00%	-0.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.39%	-41.01%	+34.62%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.65%	4.07%	-1.42%

Volatility

USXF vs. SMH - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares ESG Advanced MSCI USA ETF (USXF) is 7.80%, while VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) has a volatility of 17.29%. This indicates that USXF 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

	USXF	SMH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.80%	17.29%	-9.49%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.29%	28.18%	-13.89%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.45%	34.14%	-16.69%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.79%	35.68%	-15.89%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.32%	32.95%	-13.63%

USXF vs. SMH - Expense Ratio Comparison

USXF has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is lower than SMH's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

USXF vs. SMH - Dividend Comparison

USXF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.79%, 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%
USXF iShares ESG Advanced MSCI USA ETF	0.79%	0.93%	1.00%	1.21%	1.39%	0.86%	0.58%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both USXF and SMH in my portfolio?

USXF and SMH have a correlation of 0.86, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, USXF or SMH?

SMH has higher volatility (17.29%) compared to USXF (7.80%). In terms of maximum drawdown, USXF dropped -29.54% vs SMH's -84.96%.

Which ETF is better, USXF or SMH?

On 5-year performance, SMH leads with 40.65% vs 15.57% for USXF. On fees, USXF is cheaper at 0.10% per year. On volatility, USXF has been the lower-risk option at 7.80%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, USXF or SMH?

Over the 5-year period, SMH has performed better with a 40.65% return vs 15.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, USXF or SMH?

USXF is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for SMH.

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

USXF has the higher dividend yield at 0.79%, compared with 0.17% for SMH.

What is the main difference between USXF and SMH?

USXF is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while SMH is Semiconductors. USXF tracks MSCI USA Choice ESG Screened Index, while SMH tracks MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.10% for USXF and 0.35% for SMH.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.66 vs 2.12), 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.