A head-to-head comparison of GraniteShares YieldBOOST Semiconductor ETF and iShares Semiconductor ETF covering yield, cost, risk, and income potential.
ETFs and AUM reflect what Dividend Vision tracks — the issuer's full lineup may be larger.
GraniteShares is known for offering specialized ETF strategies that extend beyond traditional equity and bond investing, particularly through structured products and income-focused solutions. The firm manages 48 ETFs organized around distinct fund families including Autocallable products, Commodities, Income strategies, Leveraged exposures, and their YieldBOOST line designed to enhance distributions. GraniteShares targets investors seeking alternative income generation methods and commodity access, with popular tickers like AHD, CRY, and FBL representing their diverse approach to yield enhancement and alternative asset classes.
See our curated list of related YouTube videos on SEMY.
ETFs and AUM reflect what Dividend Vision tracks — the issuer's full lineup may be larger.
iShares is one of the largest ETF providers globally, known for offering a broad, diversified lineup of exchange-traded funds across multiple asset classes and investment strategies. The company operates 215 funds spanning 15 distinct families, including popular offerings in dividend income, covered call strategies, bonds, equities, ESG-focused investments, and factor-based approaches, with widely-held tickers like AGG (bond), ACWI (global equity), and AOA (allocation). iShares is characterized by its comprehensive fund ecosystem that serves both core portfolio holdings and specialized investment strategies, making it a prominent player for investors seeking both traditional and alternative income-generating ETF solutions.
See our curated list of related YouTube videos on SOXX.
GraniteShares YieldBOOST Semiconductor ETF seeks to provide current income with the potential for
capital appreciation by holding a basket of leading semiconductor companies and layering on a rules-
based covered call strategy tied to that exposure.
Tracks the ICE Semiconductor Index of US-listed semiconductor companies.
Asset class
Equity
Equity
Inception date
11/18/2025
07/10/2001
Beta
1.486
2.26
Last dividend
$0.2950
$0.2830
Ex-dividend date
11/21/2025
09/15/2026
Most used
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Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.
Total returns
SEMY has been the steadier holding, though — annualized volatility of 27.2% against 46.0% for SOXX. Figures are total returns: price change plus every distribution reinvested.
Total return with all distributions reinvested on the ex-dividend date, split-adjusted, as of June 23, 2026. YTD and 1Y are cumulative; longer windows are annualized. “Since Nov 2025” measures every fund from November 18, 2025 — the youngest fund's first trading day — so all funds share one comparison window. Volatility is the annualized standard deviation of daily total returns over the shared window since Nov 2025. Sharpe and Sortino divide the annualized return in excess of the risk-free rate by, respectively, that volatility and the downside deviation (both over the shared window since Nov 2025) — higher is better. Max drawdown is the largest peak-to-trough total-return decline over the same window — shallower is better.
Quick verdict
SEMY (GraniteShares YieldBOOST Semiconductor ETF) and SOXX (iShares Semiconductor ETF) are both dividend ETFs, but they take different approaches.
SEMY offers the higher yield at 96.42% vs 0.19% for SOXX. A higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, though it may come with different risk characteristics.
SOXX is cheaper with an expense ratio of 0.35% compared to 1.07%.
They track different benchmarks: SEMY is linked to Semiconductor equities while SOXX tracks ICE Semiconductor Index, which means their performance drivers differ.
SOXX is the larger fund by assets ($36.9B), which generally means tighter spreads and better liquidity.
Deep dive
Yield & income
On a $10,000 investment, SEMY would generate roughly $803.50/month, while SOXX would produce $1.58/month, at current distribution rates.
SEMY yield96.42%
SOXX yield0.19%
Monthly diff on $10K$801.92
Cost & efficiency
Over 10 years on $10,000, SEMY would cost approximately $1,070 in fees vs $350 for SOXX (simplified, not compounded). The $720.00 difference may be offset by yield or performance.
SEMY ER1.07%
SOXX ER0.35%
Strategy & risk
SEMY tracks Semiconductor equities with a basket approach, while SOXX tracks ICE Semiconductor Index with a basket approach. Beta is 1.486 for SEMY and 2.26 for SOXX, indicating SEMY is less volatile relative to the market.
SEMY beta1.486
SOXX beta2.26
Fund details
SEMY is managed by GraniteShares (launched 11/18/2025) with $99.5M in assets. SOXX is managed by iShares (launched 07/10/2001) with $36.9B in assets.
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Frequently asked questions
Is SEMY or SOXX better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. SEMY currently offers the higher distribution yield, which means more income per dollar invested. However, a lower-yield fund may offer better total return or lower volatility. Consider your time horizon and risk tolerance.
What is the difference between SEMY and SOXX?
SEMY (GraniteShares YieldBOOST Semiconductor ETF) tracks Semiconductor equities with a basket approach, while SOXX (iShares Semiconductor ETF) tracks ICE Semiconductor Index with a basket approach. They are issued by GraniteShares and iShares respectively.
Can I hold both SEMY and SOXX?
Yes. Many income investors hold both to diversify across different strategies and underlying indexes. This can reduce concentration risk while maintaining a strong income stream.
Which has lower fees, SEMY or SOXX?
SEMY has an expense ratio of 1.07% while SOXX charges 0.35%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.
How much income does $10,000 in SEMY vs SOXX generate?
At current rates, $10,000 in SEMY would generate roughly $803.50 per month ($9,642.00 annually). The same in SOXX would produce about $1.58 per month ($19.00 annually).
Which has performed better historically, SEMY or SOXX?
SEMY has been the steadier holding, though — annualized volatility of 27.2% against 46.0% for SOXX. Figures are total returns: price change plus every distribution reinvested. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
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