SMHX vs VTI
VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. SMHX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SMHX | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $232M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.02% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 24 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +40.53% | +13.12% | |
| 1Y Return | +56.41% | +20.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +11.84% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 38.0% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 27, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
SMHX vs VTI Performance
VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF (SMHX) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMHX returned +56.41% while VTI returned +20.82%. Year to date, SMHX is up 40.53% versus a gain of 13.12% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMHX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 38.0% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMHX charges 0.35% per year while VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SMHX and VTI share 20 holdings out of 2789 unique holdings combined, representing a 11.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SMHX or VTI?
SMHX has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMHX or VTI?
Over the past year SMHX returned +56.41% vs +20.82% for VTI, so SMHX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SMHX annualized +49.00% vs +8.08% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMHX or VTI?
SMHX has been the more volatile fund at 38.0% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SMHX -38.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SMHX and VTI?
SMHX and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMHX and VTI?
SMHX and VTI share 20 common holdings with a 11.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2789 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMHX or VTI?
SMHX yields 0.02% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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