XSD vs. SMH

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

XSD (SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF) and SMH (VanEck Semiconductor ETF) are both Semiconductors funds - XSD tracks the S&P Semiconductor Select Industry Index while SMH tracks the MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, XSD returned 31.63%/yr vs 38.85%/yr for SMH. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.35% expense ratio.

Performance

XSD vs. SMH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (XSD) 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, XSD achieves a 101.75% return, which is significantly higher than SMH's 85.74% return. Over the past 10 years, XSD has underperformed SMH with an annualized return of 31.63%, while SMH has yielded a comparatively higher 38.85% annualized return.

XSD

• 1D: 1.91%
• 1M: 7.37%
• YTD: 101.75%
• 6M: 95.13%
• 1Y: 166.27%
• 3Y*: 46.54%
• 5Y*: 29.17%
• 10Y*: 31.63%

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)

XSD vs. SMH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
XSD SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF	101.75%	29.85%	10.75%	34.87%	-30.92%	42.54%	61.95%	64.66%	-6.35%	25.21%
SMH VanEck Semiconductor ETF	85.74%	49.17%	39.10%	73.38%	-33.53%	42.13%	55.53%	64.45%	-9.05%	38.48%

Correlation

The correlation between XSD and SMH is 0.86, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.86
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.87
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.91
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 6, 2006	0.91

The correlation between XSD and SMH has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.86 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

XSD vs. SMH - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XSD	SMH
Technology	98.0%	100.0%
Energy	2.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

XSD vs. SMH — Risk / Return Rank

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

XSD

XSD Risk / Return Rank: 94
XSD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
XSD Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
XSD Omega Ratio Rank: 91
XSD Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
XSD Martin Ratio Rank: 95

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.

XSD vs. SMH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	XSD	SMH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	4.17	4.66	-0.49
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.18	4.60	-0.42
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.57	1.66	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	8.99	10.63	-1.64
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	29.69	38.91	-9.22

XSD vs. SMH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XSD Sharpe Ratio is 4.17, which is comparable to the SMH Sharpe Ratio of 4.66. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XSD 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

XSD vs. SMH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XSD drawdown since its inception was -64.56%, smaller than the maximum SMH drawdown of -84.96%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XSD and SMH.

Drawdown Indicators

	XSD	SMH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-64.56%	-84.96%	+20.40%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.61%	-14.93%	-3.68%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-41.25%	-35.74%	-5.51%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-42.27%	-45.30%	+3.03%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.27%	-45.30%	+3.03%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.20%	0.00%	-0.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.72%	-41.01%	+27.29%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.62%	4.07%	+1.55%

Volatility

XSD vs. SMH - Volatility Comparison

SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (XSD) has a higher volatility of 21.48% compared to VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) at 17.29%. This indicates that XSD's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SMH based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XSD	SMH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	21.48%	17.29%	+4.19%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	32.65%	28.18%	+4.47%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	40.16%	34.14%	+6.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	39.08%	35.68%	+3.40%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	35.42%	32.95%	+2.47%

XSD vs. SMH - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

XSD vs. SMH - Dividend Comparison

XSD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.16%, less 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%
XSD SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF	0.16%	0.26%	0.20%	0.31%	0.44%	0.10%	0.26%	0.51%	1.16%	0.59%	0.64%	0.58%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XSD and SMH in my portfolio?

XSD and SMH have a correlation of 0.86, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XSD or SMH?

XSD has higher volatility (21.48%) compared to SMH (17.29%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XSD dropped -64.56% vs SMH's -84.96%.

Which ETF is better, XSD or SMH?

On 10-year performance, SMH leads with 38.85% vs 31.63% for XSD. Both ETFs have the same 0.35% expense ratio. On volatility, SMH has been the lower-risk option at 17.29%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XSD or SMH?

Over the 10-year period, SMH has performed better with a 38.85% return vs 31.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XSD or SMH?

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

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

XSD and SMH have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.16%.

What is the main difference between XSD and SMH?

XSD tracks S&P Semiconductor 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 (4.66 vs 4.17), 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.