XME vs. SMH

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

XME (SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF) and SMH (VanEck Semiconductor ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - XME is a Materials fund tracking the S&P Metals & Mining Select Industry Index, while SMH is a Semiconductors fund tracking the MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, XME returned 19.60%/yr vs 37.49%/yr for SMH. A 0.51 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.35% expense ratio.

Performance

XME vs. SMH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF (XME) 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, XME achieves a 16.32% return, which is significantly lower than SMH's 72.15% return. Over the past 10 years, XME has underperformed SMH with an annualized return of 19.60%, while SMH has yielded a comparatively higher 37.49% annualized return.

XME

• 1D: 1.77%
• 1M: -2.35%
• YTD: 16.32%
• 6M: 18.13%
• 1Y: 86.41%
• 3Y*: 35.23%
• 5Y*: 21.78%
• 10Y*: 19.60%

SMH

• 1D: 1.72%
• 1M: 8.30%
• YTD: 72.15%
• 6M: 75.62%
• 1Y: 136.32%
• 3Y*: 60.05%
• 5Y*: 38.42%
• 10Y*: 37.49%

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

XME vs. SMH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
XME SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF	16.32%	83.47%	-4.54%	21.51%	13.13%	34.92%	15.95%	14.69%	-26.78%	21.17%
SMH VanEck Semiconductor ETF	72.15%	49.17%	39.10%	73.38%	-33.53%	42.13%	55.53%	64.45%	-9.05%	38.48%

Correlation

The correlation between XME and SMH is 0.54, 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	0.54
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.50
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.50
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.49
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 22, 2006	0.51

The correlation between XME and SMH has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.49 to 0.54 - a consistent structural relationship.

XME vs. SMH - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XME	SMH
Basic Materials	75.3%	-
Energy	23.4%	-
Technology	2.2%	100.0%
Consumer Defensive	0.8%	-
Industrials	0.4%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

XME vs. SMH — Risk / Return Rank

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

XME

XME Risk / Return Rank: 75
XME Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
XME Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
XME Omega Ratio Rank: 73
XME Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
XME Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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.

XME vs. SMH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF (XME) 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.

	XME	SMH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.41	4.13	-1.72
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.86	4.26	-1.40
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.60	-0.23
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.84	9.18	-5.34
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.58	33.74	-24.16

XME vs. SMH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XME Sharpe Ratio is 2.41, which is lower than the SMH Sharpe Ratio of 4.13. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XME 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

XME vs. SMH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XME drawdown since its inception was -85.89%, roughly equal to the maximum SMH drawdown of -84.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XME and SMH.

Drawdown Indicators

	XME	SMH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-85.89%	-84.96%	-0.93%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-22.60%	-14.93%	-7.67%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-30.47%	-35.74%	+5.27%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-37.27%	-45.30%	+8.03%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-61.69%	-45.30%	-16.39%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.33%	-2.81%	-6.52%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-44.09%	-41.04%	-3.05%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	9.05%	4.06%	+4.99%

Volatility

XME vs. SMH - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF (XME) is 15.26%, while VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) has a volatility of 16.25%. This indicates that XME 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

	XME	SMH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	15.26%	16.25%	-0.99%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	28.51%	27.73%	+0.78%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	36.11%	33.20%	+2.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	32.84%	35.47%	-2.63%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	32.96%	32.82%	+0.14%

XME vs. SMH - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

XME vs. SMH - Dividend Comparison

XME's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.32%, 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%
XME SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF	0.32%	0.38%	0.65%	1.00%	1.64%	0.70%	0.99%	2.43%	2.23%	1.15%	1.02%	2.61%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XME and SMH in my portfolio?

XME and SMH have a correlation of 0.54, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XME or SMH?

SMH has higher volatility (16.25%) compared to XME (15.26%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XME dropped -85.89% vs SMH's -84.96%.

Which ETF is better, XME or SMH?

On 10-year performance, SMH leads with 37.49% vs 19.60% for XME. Both ETFs have the same 0.35% expense ratio. On volatility, XME has been the lower-risk option at 15.26%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XME or SMH?

Over the 10-year period, SMH has performed better with a 37.49% return vs 19.60%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XME or SMH?

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

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

XME has the higher dividend yield at 0.32%, compared with 0.18% for SMH.

What is the main difference between XME and SMH?

XME is categorized as Materials, while SMH is Semiconductors. XME tracks S&P Metals & Mining Select Industry Index, while SMH tracks MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and VanEck.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SMH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.13 vs 2.41), 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.