VOLT vs. SMH

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

VOLT (Tema Electrification ETF) and SMH (VanEck Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VOLT is a Energy Equities fund actively managed by Tema, while SMH is a Semiconductors fund tracking the MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. VOLT is actively managed, while SMH is passively managed. Over the past year, VOLT returned 62.39% vs 141.99% for SMH. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VOLT charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for SMH.

Performance

VOLT vs. SMH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Tema Electrification ETF (VOLT) 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, VOLT achieves a 36.32% return, which is significantly lower than SMH's 72.15% return.

VOLT

• 1D: 1.28%
• 1M: -0.71%
• YTD: 36.32%
• 6M: 35.03%
• 1Y: 62.39%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SMH

• 1D: 1.72%
• 1M: 11.44%
• YTD: 72.15%
• 6M: 75.62%
• 1Y: 141.99%
• 3Y*: 60.05%
• 5Y*: 38.42%
• 10Y*: 37.49%

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

VOLT vs. SMH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
VOLT Tema Electrification ETF	36.32%	25.92%	-8.98%
SMH VanEck Semiconductor ETF	72.15%	49.17%	-2.08%

Correlation

The correlation between VOLT and SMH is 0.68, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.68
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 4, 2024	0.72

The correlation between VOLT and SMH has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.68 to 0.72 - a consistent structural relationship.

VOLT vs. SMH - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VOLT	SMH
Industrials	46.7%	-
Utilities	31.8%	-
Technology	12.2%	100.0%
Energy	5.1%	-
Consumer Cyclical	3.4%	-
Financial Services	0.5%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

VOLT vs. SMH — Risk / Return Rank

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

VOLT

VOLT Risk / Return Rank: 91
VOLT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
VOLT Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
VOLT Omega Ratio Rank: 88
VOLT Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
VOLT Martin Ratio Rank: 90

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: 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.

VOLT vs. SMH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Tema Electrification ETF (VOLT) 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.

	VOLT	SMH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.87	4.13	-1.27
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.62	4.26	-0.65
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	1.60	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	6.35	9.18	-2.83
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	17.90	33.74	-15.84

VOLT vs. SMH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VOLT Sharpe Ratio is 2.87, which is lower than the SMH Sharpe Ratio of 4.13. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VOLT 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

VOLT vs. SMH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VOLT drawdown since its inception was -23.40%, smaller than the maximum SMH drawdown of -84.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VOLT and SMH.

Drawdown Indicators

	VOLT	SMH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.40%	-84.96%	+61.56%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.59%	-14.93%	+5.34%
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	-4.76%	-2.81%	-1.95%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.19%	-41.04%	+35.85%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.40%	4.06%	-0.66%

Volatility

VOLT vs. SMH - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Tema Electrification ETF (VOLT) is 9.23%, while VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) has a volatility of 16.25%. This indicates that VOLT 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

	VOLT	SMH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.23%	16.25%	-7.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.19%	27.73%	-9.54%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.28%	33.20%	-11.92%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.40%	35.47%	-11.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.40%	32.82%	-8.42%

VOLT vs. SMH - Expense Ratio Comparison

VOLT has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than SMH's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

VOLT vs. SMH - Dividend Comparison

VOLT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.33%, more 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%
VOLT Tema Electrification ETF	0.33%	0.46%	0.01%	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 VOLT and SMH in my portfolio?

VOLT and SMH have a correlation of 0.68, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VOLT or SMH?

SMH has higher volatility (16.25%) compared to VOLT (9.23%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VOLT dropped -23.40% vs SMH's -84.96%.

Which ETF is better, VOLT or SMH?

On 1-year performance, SMH leads with 141.99% vs 62.39% for VOLT. On fees, SMH is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, VOLT has been the lower-risk option at 9.23%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VOLT or SMH?

Over the 1-year period, SMH has performed better with a 141.99% return vs 62.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VOLT or SMH?

SMH is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for VOLT.

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

VOLT has the higher dividend yield at 0.33%, compared with 0.18% for SMH.

What is the main difference between VOLT and SMH?

VOLT is categorized as Energy Equities, while SMH is Semiconductors. They also come from different issuers: Tema and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for VOLT and 0.35% for SMH.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.13 vs 2.87), 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.