VSOL vs. SMH

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VSOL (VanEck Solana ETF) and SMH (VanEck Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VSOL is a Cryptocurrency fund actively managed by VanEck, while SMH is a Semiconductors fund tracking the MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. VSOL is actively managed, while SMH is passively managed. At a 0.39 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VSOL charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for SMH.

Performance

VSOL vs. SMH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Solana ETF (VSOL) 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, VSOL achieves a -40.84% return, which is significantly lower than SMH's 74.25% return.

VSOL

• 1D: -4.61%
• 1M: -14.43%
• YTD: -40.84%
• 6M: -47.89%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SMH

• 1D: -1.63%
• 1M: 20.06%
• YTD: 74.25%
• 6M: 74.08%
• 1Y: 150.04%
• 3Y*: 63.96%
• 5Y*: 38.76%
• 10Y*: 37.49%

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

VSOL vs. SMH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VSOL VanEck Solana ETF	-40.84%	-4.01%
SMH VanEck Semiconductor ETF	74.25%	6.16%

Correlation

The correlation between VSOL and SMH is 0.39, 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 Nov 18, 2025	0.39

Return for Risk

VSOL vs. SMH — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMH

SMH Risk / Return Rank: 96
SMH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
SMH Sortino Ratio Rank: 95
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.

VSOL vs. SMH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Solana ETF (VSOL) 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VSOL	SMH	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	4.94	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	1.11	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	1.15	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.90	0.34	-1.24

Drawdowns

VSOL vs. SMH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VSOL drawdown since its inception was -50.27%, smaller than the maximum SMH drawdown of -84.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VSOL and SMH.

Drawdown Indicators

	VSOL	SMH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.27%	-84.96%	+34.69%
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	-50.27%	-1.63%	-48.64%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-28.83%	-41.08%	+12.25%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.89%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VSOL	SMH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	11.58%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	24.35%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	72.67%	30.57%	+42.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	72.67%	35.01%	+37.66%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	72.67%	32.57%	+40.10%

VSOL vs. SMH - Expense Ratio Comparison

VSOL has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is lower than SMH's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

VSOL vs. SMH - Dividend Comparison

VSOL has not paid dividends to shareholders, while SMH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.18%.

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%
VSOL VanEck Solana 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 VSOL and SMH in my portfolio?

VSOL and SMH have a correlation of 0.39, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, VSOL or SMH?

On fees, VSOL is cheaper at 0.30% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VSOL or SMH?

VSOL is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for SMH.

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

SMH has the higher dividend yield at 0.18%, compared with 0.00% for VSOL.

What is the main difference between VSOL and SMH?

VSOL is categorized as Cryptocurrency, while SMH is Semiconductors. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for VSOL and 0.35% for SMH.