SEMI vs VOO
Columbia Select Technology ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. SEMI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SEMI | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $40M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.39% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 37 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +24.64% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +36.83% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.87% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 29.1% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.9% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Columbia Threadneedle Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 29, 2022 | Sep 7, 2010 |
SEMI vs VOO Performance
Columbia Select Technology ETF (SEMI) is a ETF from Columbia Threadneedle Investments and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SEMI returned +36.83% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, SEMI is up 24.64% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Over three years, SEMI compounded at +26.87% per year against +21.47% for VOO. Across the full 4-year window we track, SEMI has the edge at +18.07% annualized vs +13.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SEMI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 29.1% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -32.9% for SEMI and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SEMI charges 0.75% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $3 annually, a gap of $72 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SEMI currently yields 3.39% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
SEMI and VOO share 31 holdings out of 509 unique holdings combined, representing a 43.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SEMI or VOO?
SEMI has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SEMI or VOO?
Over the past year SEMI returned +36.83% vs +22.62% for VOO, so SEMI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), SEMI annualized +18.07% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SEMI or VOO?
SEMI has been the more volatile fund at 29.1% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: SEMI -32.9% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both SEMI and VOO?
SEMI and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SEMI and VOO?
SEMI and VOO share 31 common holdings with a 43.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 509 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SEMI or VOO?
SEMI yields 3.39% while VOO yields 1.09%, so SEMI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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