SMH vs VGT
VanEck Semiconductor ETF vs Vanguard Information Technology ETF
Quick Verdict
VGT has a lower expense ratio. SMH delivered stronger 1-year returns. VGT offers more diversification with 324 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SMH | VGT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $60.9B | $138.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.22% | 0.38% | |
| Holdings | 27 | 324 | |
| YTD Return | +53.50% | +29.30% | |
| 1Y Return | +93.10% | +39.76% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +56.75% | +32.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +34.14% | +18.85% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 31.4% | 19.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -85.5% | -54.8% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 20, 2011 | Jan 26, 2004 |
SMH vs VGT Performance
VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMH returned +93.10% while VGT returned +39.76%. Year to date, SMH is up 53.50% versus a gain of 29.30% for VGT.
Over three years, SMH compounded at +56.75% per year against +32.12% for VGT; over five years the annualized figures are +34.14% and +18.85% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, VGT has the edge at +14.34% annualized vs +11.30%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 31.4% compared with 19.6% for VGT. 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 -85.5% for SMH and -54.8% for VGT. 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMH charges 0.35% per year while VGT charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $9 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMH currently yields 0.22% against 0.38% for VGT.
Holdings Overlap
SMH and VGT share 21 holdings out of 326 unique holdings combined, representing a 43.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SMH or VGT?
SMH has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VGT charges 0.09%. VGT is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMH or VGT?
Over the past year SMH returned +93.10% vs +39.76% for VGT, so SMH leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), SMH annualized +11.30% vs +14.34% for VGT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMH or VGT?
SMH has been the more volatile fund at 31.4% annualized versus 19.6% for VGT. Worst drawdown: SMH -85.5% vs VGT -54.8%.
Should I hold both SMH and VGT?
SMH and VGT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMH and VGT?
SMH and VGT share 21 common holdings with a 43.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 326 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMH or VGT?
SMH yields 0.22% while VGT yields 0.38%, so VGT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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