SMHX vs VOO
VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. SMHX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SMHX | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $232M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.02% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 24 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +41.75% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +61.02% | +21.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.95% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 38.0% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.5% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 27, 2024 | Sep 7, 2010 |
SMHX vs VOO Performance
VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF (SMHX) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMHX returned +61.02% while VOO returned +21.87%. Year to date, SMHX is up 41.75% versus a gain of 12.68% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMHX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 38.0% 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 -38.5% for SMHX 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMHX charges 0.35% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $3 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMHX currently yields 0.02% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
SMHX and VOO share 8 holdings out of 519 unique holdings combined, representing a 12.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SMHX or VOO?
SMHX has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMHX or VOO?
Over the past year SMHX returned +61.02% vs +21.87% for VOO, so SMHX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SMHX annualized +49.98% vs +13.47% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMHX or VOO?
SMHX has been the more volatile fund at 38.0% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: SMHX -38.5% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both SMHX and VOO?
SMHX and VOO 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 SMHX and VOO?
SMHX and VOO share 8 common holdings with a 12.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 519 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMHX or VOO?
SMHX yields 0.02% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.