Compare/Updated Oct 26, 2026, refreshed every trading day
SMH vs SOXQ
VanEck Semiconductor ETF against Invesco PHLX Semiconductor ETF: 4 years of returns, risk and today’s technical read, from Kavout’s own data.
SMH did better over the period: $1,000 invested on October 28, 2022 grew to $5,590, versus $4,563 for SOXQ. SMH also delivered stronger three-year performance (+266.5% versus +220.9%) and a higher one-year return (+55.7% versus +61.9% for SOXQ, where SOXQ led over one year). The funds were highly correlated, with daily-move correlation of 0.988, so their results generally moved together. However, SMH achieved the superior cumulative outcome with lower risk: 12-month volatility was 40.0% versus 45.3%, and its worst drawdown was -35.7% versus -39.4% for SOXQ. SOXQ’s main advantages were its lower 0.19% expense ratio and stronger YTD return (+52.5% versus +46.4%). SMH’s higher 0.35% fee was outweighed by its better long-term outcome and lower volatility.
- Price is above its 200-day average ($515); 50-day at $575.
- RSI 33, neutral. Supertrend says sell. ADX 26, so the trend is strong.
- Price is above its 200-day average ($84); 50-day at $94.
- RSI 32, neutral. Supertrend says sell. ADX 26, so the trend is strong.
Head to head
Which has returned more, SMH or SOXQ?
SMH beat SOXQ in 28 of the last 48 months; SOXQ won the other 20. The typical monthly gap was 1.02 points.
Total return by period
Which is riskier?
Both: Jul 10, 2024 to Apr 8, 2025
- 0.988
- correlation of daily moves, 4 years
- 0.93
- SMH move per 1% in SOXQ
- 0.991
- correlation, last 12 months
Month by month
Of the last 48 months. The typical gap was 1.02 points.
When did they diverge?
| Month | SMH | SOXQ | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 2026 | +32.2% | +38.5% | -6.29 pts |
| January 2024 | +6.3% | +2.2% | +4.06 pts |
| May 2026 | +18.2% | +22.2% | -4.04 pts |
| February 2024 | +14.0% | +11.0% | +3.06 pts |
Where the numbers come from. 1000 daily adjusted closes per fund from the Kavout market-data API, dividends included. Signals and indicators are Kavout’s own, refreshed nightly. Every figure is calculated from those adjusted closes.
Holdings and fees
What do you actually own with SMH and SOXQ?
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