XAIX vs. SMH

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

XAIX (Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF) and SMH (VanEck Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - XAIX is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Global Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Index, while SMH is a Semiconductors fund tracking the MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, XAIX returned 62.69% vs 157.81% for SMH. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.35% expense ratio.

Performance

XAIX vs. SMH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF (XAIX) 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, XAIX achieves a 37.44% return, which is significantly lower than SMH's 85.74% return.

XAIX

• 1D: 0.41%
• 1M: 9.09%
• YTD: 37.44%
• 6M: 37.80%
• 1Y: 62.69%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 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)

XAIX vs. SMH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
XAIX Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF	37.44%	29.05%	15.21%
SMH VanEck Semiconductor ETF	85.74%	49.17%	5.30%

Correlation

The correlation between XAIX and SMH is 0.78, 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	0.78
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 2, 2024	0.81

The correlation between XAIX and SMH has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.78 to 0.81 - a consistent structural relationship.

XAIX vs. SMH - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XAIX	SMH
Technology	71.7%	100.0%
Communication Services	14.1%	-
Consumer Cyclical	8.9%	-
Financial Services	5.2%	-
Industrials	0.1%	-
Consumer Defensive	0.0%	-
Healthcare	0.0%	-
Basic Materials	0.0%	-
Energy	0.0%	-
Utilities	0.0%	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

XAIX vs. SMH — Risk / Return Rank

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

XAIX

XAIX Risk / Return Rank: 82
XAIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
XAIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
XAIX Omega Ratio Rank: 81
XAIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
XAIX Martin Ratio Rank: 80

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.

XAIX vs. SMH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF (XAIX) 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.

	XAIX	SMH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.68	4.66	-1.98
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.32	4.60	-1.29
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	1.66	-0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.50	10.63	-6.14
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.22	38.91	-23.69

XAIX vs. SMH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XAIX Sharpe Ratio is 2.68, which is lower than the SMH Sharpe Ratio of 4.66. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XAIX 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

XAIX vs. SMH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XAIX drawdown since its inception was -23.95%, smaller than the maximum SMH drawdown of -84.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XAIX and SMH.

Drawdown Indicators

	XAIX	SMH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.95%	-84.96%	+61.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.01%	-14.93%	+0.92%
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	-3.23%	0.00%	-3.23%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.58%	-41.01%	+37.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.13%	4.07%	+0.06%

Volatility

XAIX vs. SMH - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF (XAIX) is 13.24%, while VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) has a volatility of 17.29%. This indicates that XAIX 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

	XAIX	SMH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.24%	17.29%	-4.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.53%	28.18%	-7.65%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.53%	34.14%	-10.61%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.45%	35.68%	-11.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.45%	32.95%	-8.50%

XAIX vs. SMH - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both XAIX and SMH have an expense ratio of 0.35%.

Dividends

XAIX vs. SMH - Dividend Comparison

XAIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.37%, 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%
XAIX Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF	0.37%	0.54%	0.08%	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 XAIX and SMH in my portfolio?

XAIX and SMH have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XAIX or SMH?

SMH has higher volatility (17.29%) compared to XAIX (13.24%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XAIX dropped -23.95% vs SMH's -84.96%.

Which ETF is better, XAIX or SMH?

On 1-year performance, SMH leads with 157.81% vs 62.69% for XAIX. Both ETFs have the same 0.35% expense ratio. On volatility, XAIX has been the lower-risk option at 13.24%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XAIX or SMH?

Over the 1-year period, SMH has performed better with a 157.81% return vs 62.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XAIX or SMH?

XAIX and SMH have the same expense ratio: 0.35% per year.

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

XAIX has the higher dividend yield at 0.37%, compared with 0.17% for SMH.

What is the main difference between XAIX and SMH?

XAIX is categorized as Technology Equities, while SMH is Semiconductors. XAIX tracks Nasdaq Global Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Index, while SMH tracks MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. They also come from different issuers: Xtrackers and VanEck.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.66 vs 2.68), 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.