IVV vs SMHX
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. SMHX delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | SMHX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $232M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 0.02% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 24 | |
| YTD Return | +12.71% | +41.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.89% | +61.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.08% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.96% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 38.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -38.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | VanEck | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Aug 27, 2024 |
IVV vs SMHX Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF (SMHX) is a ETF from VanEck. Over the past year IVV returned +21.89% while SMHX returned +61.02%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.71% versus a gain of 41.75% for SMHX.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMHX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 38.0% compared with 15.1% for IVV. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -56.5% for IVV and -38.5% for SMHX. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while SMHX charges 0.35%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $35 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 0.02% for SMHX.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and SMHX share 8 holdings out of 519 unique holdings combined, representing a 12.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or SMHX?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while SMHX charges 0.35%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or SMHX?
Over the past year IVV returned +21.89% vs +61.02% for SMHX, so SMHX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), IVV annualized +7.00% vs +49.98% for SMHX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or SMHX?
SMHX has been the more volatile fund at 38.0% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs SMHX -38.5%.
Should I hold both IVV and SMHX?
IVV and SMHX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and SMHX?
IVV and SMHX share 8 common holdings with a 12.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 519 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or SMHX?
IVV yields 1.10% while SMHX yields 0.02%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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