XLK vs. SMH
Compare and contrast key facts about Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK) and VanEck Vectors Semiconductor ETF (SMH).
XLK and SMH are both exchange-traded funds (ETFs), meaning they are traded on stock exchanges and can be bought and sold throughout the day. XLK is a passively managed fund by State Street that tracks the performance of the Technology Select Sector Index. It was launched on Dec 16, 1998. SMH is a passively managed fund by VanEck that tracks the performance of the MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. It was launched on Dec 20, 2011. Both XLK and SMH are passive ETFs, meaning that they are not actively managed but aim to replicate the performance of the underlying index as closely as possible.
Scroll down to visually compare performance, riskiness, drawdowns, and other indicators and decide which better suits your portfolio: XLK or SMH.
Key characteristics
| XLK | SMH | |
|---|---|---|
| YTD Return | 2.14% | 22.43% |
| 1Y Return | 31.11% | 72.90% |
| 3Y Return (Ann) | 12.99% | 22.45% |
| 5Y Return (Ann) | 21.50% | 32.84% |
| 10Y Return (Ann) | 19.99% | 28.85% |
| Sharpe Ratio | 1.75 | 2.63 |
| Daily Std Dev | 17.83% | 28.25% |
| Max Drawdown | -82.05% | -95.73% |
| Current Drawdown | -6.84% | -8.57% |
Correlation
The correlation between XLK and SMH is 0.85, which is considered to be high. That indicates a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Having highly-correlated positions in a portfolio may signal a lack of diversification, potentially leading to increased risk during market downturns.
Performance
XLK vs. SMH - Performance Comparison
In the year-to-date period, XLK achieves a 2.14% return, which is significantly lower than SMH's 22.43% return. Over the past 10 years, XLK has underperformed SMH with an annualized return of 19.99%, while SMH has yielded a comparatively higher 28.85% annualized return. The chart below displays the growth of a $10,000 investment in both assets, with all prices adjusted for splits and dividends.
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XLK vs. SMH - Expense Ratio Comparison
XLK has a 0.13% expense ratio, which is lower than SMH's 0.35% expense ratio.
Risk-Adjusted Performance
XLK vs. SMH - Risk-Adjusted Performance Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK) and VanEck Vectors 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.
Dividends
XLK vs. SMH - Dividend Comparison
XLK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.76%, more than SMH's 0.49% yield.
| TTM | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
XLK Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund | 0.76% | 0.76% | 1.04% | 0.65% | 0.92% | 1.16% | 1.60% | 1.37% | 1.74% | 1.79% | 1.75% | 1.70% |
SMH VanEck Vectors Semiconductor ETF | 0.49% | 0.60% | 2.37% | 1.02% | 1.38% | 6.00% | 3.75% | 2.85% | 1.61% | 4.28% | 2.31% | 3.11% |
Drawdowns
XLK vs. SMH - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum XLK drawdown since its inception was -82.05%, smaller than the maximum SMH drawdown of -95.73%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XLK and SMH. For additional features, visit the drawdowns tool.
Volatility
XLK vs. SMH - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK) is 5.84%, while VanEck Vectors Semiconductor ETF (SMH) has a volatility of 9.42%. This indicates that XLK 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.