XSD vs. SOXX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

XSD (SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF) and SOXX (iShares Semiconductor ETF) are both Semiconductors funds - XSD tracks the S&P Semiconductor Select Industry Index while SOXX tracks the NYSE Semiconductor Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, XSD returned 31.63%/yr vs 37.20%/yr for SOXX. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. XSD charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.34%/yr for SOXX.

Performance

XSD vs. SOXX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (XSD) and iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX). 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 lower than SOXX's 117.74% return. Over the past 10 years, XSD has underperformed SOXX with an annualized return of 31.63%, while SOXX has yielded a comparatively higher 37.20% 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%

SOXX

• 1D: 2.43%
• 1M: 21.96%
• YTD: 117.74%
• 6M: 115.81%
• 1Y: 192.33%
• 3Y*: 60.51%
• 5Y*: 36.36%
• 10Y*: 37.20%

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

XSD vs. SOXX - 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%
SOXX iShares Semiconductor ETF	117.74%	40.74%	12.92%	67.12%	-35.09%	44.09%	52.72%	62.42%	-6.49%	39.79%

Correlation

The correlation between XSD and SOXX is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 6, 2006	0.94

The correlation between XSD and SOXX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

XSD vs. SOXX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XSD	SOXX
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. SOXX — 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

SOXX

SOXX Risk / Return Rank: 96
SOXX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
SOXX Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
SOXX Omega Ratio Rank: 94
SOXX Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
SOXX 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. SOXX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (XSD) and iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX). 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	SOXX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	4.17	5.02	-0.85
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.18	4.70	-0.52
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.57	1.68	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	8.99	12.28	-3.29
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	29.69	44.42	-14.74

XSD vs. SOXX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XSD Sharpe Ratio is 4.17, which is comparable to the SOXX Sharpe Ratio of 5.02. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XSD and SOXX, 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. SOXX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XSD drawdown since its inception was -64.56%, smaller than the maximum SOXX drawdown of -70.21%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XSD and SOXX.

Drawdown Indicators

	XSD	SOXX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-64.56%	-70.21%	+5.65%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.61%	-15.77%	-2.84%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-41.25%	-41.36%	+0.11%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-42.27%	-45.75%	+3.48%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.27%	-45.75%	+3.48%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.20%	0.00%	-0.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.72%	-19.94%	+6.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.62%	4.35%	+1.27%

Volatility

XSD vs. SOXX - Volatility Comparison

SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (XSD) and iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) have volatilities of 21.48% and 20.75%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XSD	SOXX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	21.48%	20.75%	+0.73%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	32.65%	32.29%	+0.36%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	40.16%	38.61%	+1.55%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	39.08%	37.03%	+2.05%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	35.42%	33.95%	+1.47%

XSD vs. SOXX - Expense Ratio Comparison

XSD has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than SOXX's 0.34% expense ratio.

Dividends

XSD vs. SOXX - Dividend Comparison

XSD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.16%, less than SOXX's 0.22% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SOXX iShares Semiconductor ETF	0.22%	0.57%	0.67%	0.78%	1.26%	0.64%	0.81%	1.23%	1.37%	0.90%	1.08%	1.29%
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 SOXX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, XSD and SOXX move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, XSD or SOXX?

XSD has higher volatility (21.48%) compared to SOXX (20.75%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XSD dropped -64.56% vs SOXX's -70.21%.

Which ETF is better, XSD or SOXX?

On 10-year performance, SOXX leads with 37.20% vs 31.63% for XSD. On fees, SOXX is cheaper at 0.34% per year. On volatility, SOXX has been the lower-risk option at 20.75%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XSD or SOXX?

Over the 10-year period, SOXX has performed better with a 37.20% 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 SOXX?

SOXX is cheaper with a 0.34% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for XSD.

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

SOXX has the higher dividend yield at 0.22%, compared with 0.16% for XSD.

What is the main difference between XSD and SOXX?

XSD tracks S&P Semiconductor Select Industry Index, while SOXX tracks NYSE Semiconductor Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for XSD and 0.34% for SOXX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SOXX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (5.02 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.