SMHX vs VYM
VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. SMHX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SMHX | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $232M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.02% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 24 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +41.92% | +14.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +61.88% | +22.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 38.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 27, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SMHX vs VYM Performance
VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF (SMHX) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMHX returned +61.88% while VYM returned +22.16%. Year to date, SMHX is up 41.92% versus a gain of 14.66% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMHX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 38.0% compared with 14.6% for VYM. 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.35. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMHX charges 0.35% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $4 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMHX currently yields 0.02% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SMHX and VYM share 3 holdings out of 622 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SMHX or VYM?
SMHX has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMHX or VYM?
Over the past year SMHX returned +61.88% vs +22.16% for VYM, so SMHX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SMHX annualized +50.16% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMHX or VYM?
SMHX has been the more volatile fund at 38.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SMHX -38.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SMHX and VYM?
SMHX and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.35, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMHX and VYM?
SMHX and VYM share 3 common holdings with a 8.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 622 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMHX or VYM?
SMHX yields 0.02% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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