ETFs and AUM reflect what Dividend Vision tracks — the issuer's full lineup may be larger.
VanEck is known for offering specialized and thematic ETFs across diverse asset classes, including commodities, digital assets, and sector-specific investments. The firm's 22-fund lineup spans income-generating options, covered call strategies, and growth-focused equity funds, with popular tickers including GDX (gold miners), SMH (semiconductors), MOAT (competitive advantage stocks), and HODL (bitcoin). VanEck distinguishes itself through niche exposure areas such as digital assets, commodities, and thematic investing strategies, complemented by traditional bond and municipal bond offerings.
See our curated list of related YouTube videos on SMH.
ETFs and AUM reflect what Dividend Vision tracks — the issuer's full lineup may be larger.
Invesco is a major player in the ETF space known for offering a broad, diversified lineup of 71 funds spanning multiple investment themes and strategies. Their portfolio spans income-focused funds, factor-based equity strategies, commodity exposure, digital assets, ESG investing, and the popular Invesco QQQ family tracking the Nasdaq-100, serving both income-seeking and growth-oriented investors. The issuer is particularly recognized for specialized offerings like BulletShares (laddered bond funds), sector rotation strategies, and thematic investing options, making it a comprehensive choice for investors seeking varied exposures beyond traditional index funds.
See our curated list of related YouTube videos on SOXQ.
Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.
Total returns
SMH has lagged SOXQ over the trailing twelve months, posting a 115.39% total return against 129.91%. The picture flips over 5 years, though — SMH has compounded at 36.41% a year, ahead of SOXQ at 31.90%. 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 July 2, 2026. YTD and 1Y are cumulative; longer windows are annualized. “Since Jun 2021” measures every fund from June 11, 2021 — 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 trailing 3 years. 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 trailing 3 years) — higher is better. Max drawdown is the largest peak-to-trough total-return decline over the same window — shallower is better.
Quick verdict
SMH (VanEck Semiconductor ETF) and SOXQ (Invesco PHLX Semiconductor ETF) are both dividend ETFs, but they take different approaches.
SOXQ offers the higher yield at 0.29% vs 0.18% for SMH. A higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, though it may come with different risk characteristics.
SOXQ is cheaper with an expense ratio of 0.19% compared to 0.35%.
They track different benchmarks: SMH is linked to MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index while SOXQ tracks PHLX SOX Semiconductor Sector Index, which means their performance drivers differ.
SMH is the larger fund by assets ($65.1B), which generally means tighter spreads and better liquidity.
Deep dive
Yield & income
On a $10,000 investment, SMH would generate roughly $1.50/month, while SOXQ would produce $2.42/month, at current distribution rates.
SMH yield0.18%
SOXQ yield0.29%
Monthly diff on $10K$0.92
Cost & efficiency
Over 10 years on $10,000, SMH would cost approximately $350 in fees vs $190 for SOXQ (simplified, not compounded). The $160.00 difference may be offset by yield or performance.
SMH ER0.35%
SOXQ ER0.19%
Strategy & risk
SMH tracks MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index with a technology approach, while SOXQ tracks PHLX SOX Semiconductor Sector Index with a basket approach. Beta is 1.97 for SMH and 2.19 for SOXQ, indicating SMH is less volatile relative to the market.
SMH beta1.97
SOXQ beta2.19
Fund details
SMH is managed by VanEck (launched 12/20/2011) with $65.1B in assets. SOXQ is managed by Invesco (launched 06/11/2021) with $2.61B in assets.
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Frequently asked questions
Is SMH or SOXQ better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. SOXQ 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 SMH and SOXQ?
SMH (VanEck Semiconductor ETF) tracks MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index with a technology approach, while SOXQ (Invesco PHLX Semiconductor ETF) tracks PHLX SOX Semiconductor Sector Index with a basket approach. They are issued by VanEck and Invesco respectively.
Can I hold both SMH and SOXQ?
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, SMH or SOXQ?
SMH has an expense ratio of 0.35% while SOXQ charges 0.19%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.
How much income does $10,000 in SMH vs SOXQ generate?
At current rates, $10,000 in SMH would generate roughly $1.50 per month ($18.00 annually). The same in SOXQ would produce about $2.42 per month ($29.00 annually).
Which has performed better historically, SMH or SOXQ?
SMH has lagged SOXQ over the trailing twelve months, posting a 115.39% total return against 129.91%. The picture flips over 5 years, though — SMH has compounded at 36.41% a year, ahead of SOXQ at 31.90%. Figures are total returns: price change plus every distribution reinvested. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
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