SMHX vs VXUS
VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. SMHX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SMHX | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $253M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.01% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 24 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +47.70% | +14.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +65.14% | +27.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 37.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.5% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 27, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SMHX vs VXUS Performance
VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF (SMHX) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMHX returned +65.14% while VXUS returned +27.38%. Year to date, SMHX is up 47.70% versus a gain of 14.19% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMHX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 37.9% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMHX charges 0.35% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $5 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMHX currently yields 0.01% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SMHX and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7883 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SMHX or VXUS?
SMHX has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMHX or VXUS?
Over the past year SMHX returned +65.14% vs +27.38% for VXUS, so SMHX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SMHX annualized +54.05% vs +4.83% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMHX or VXUS?
SMHX has been the more volatile fund at 37.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SMHX -38.5% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SMHX and VXUS?
SMHX and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMHX and VXUS?
SMHX and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7883 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMHX or VXUS?
SMHX yields 0.01% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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