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ETF Comparison

SOXQ vs SOXX: Which Semiconductor Index Fund Costs Less?

A head-to-head comparison of the Invesco PHLX Semiconductor ETF and the iShares Semiconductor ETF covering cost, index design, concentration, and overlap.

Updated October 2, 2026

How these figures are calculated: methodology.

Best for

  • SOXQInvestors who want broad equity exposure.
  • SOXXInvestors who want broad equity exposure.

Jump to the side-by-side numbers

Visual comparison

Key metrics

Projected income on $10K

Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.

Total returns

100% reinvested · ex-date convention. Period returns use this fixed assumption, independent of chart settings. YTD and 1Y are cumulative period returns; 3Y, 5Y, and 10Y are annualized. The shared Since-start window is annualized only when it covers at least one year.

SOXQ has lagged SOXX over the trailing twelve months, posting a 102.87% total return against 113.79%. The picture flips over 5 years, though — SOXQ has compounded at 33.20% a year, ahead of SOXX at 32.67%. Figures are total returns: price change plus every distribution reinvested.

Total return and risk statistics by fund. Each row is one fund; each column is one period or statistic.
SymbolYTD cumulative1Y cumulative3Y annualized5Y annualizedSince Jun 2021Volatility Sharpe Sortino Max drawdown
SOXQ78.81%102.87%57.04%33.20%31.54%39.8%1.031.45-39.4%
SOXX88.06%113.79%55.69%32.67%31.17%39.8%1.011.43-41.4%

Total return with all distributions reinvested on the ex-dividend date (a modeling convention, not the cash-settlement date), split-adjusted, as of October 2, 2026. YTD and 1Y are cumulative period returns; 3Y, 5Y, and 10Y are annualized. The shared Since-start window is annualized only when it covers at least one year. “Since Jun 2021” measures every fund from June 11, 2021 — the start of shared available history — 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.

Side-by-side snapshot

Side-by-side snapshot. Each row is one metric; each column is one fund.
MetricSOXQSOXX
Full nameInvesco PHLX Semiconductor ETFiShares Semiconductor ETF
IssuerInvescoiShares
Underlying indexPHLX SOX Semiconductor Sector IndexICE Semiconductor Index
Last Close$103.41 as of October 2, 2026$588.90 as of October 2, 2026
Distribution rate0.32%0.22%
Trailing 12-month yield0.28%0.21%
Distribution Safety Score™ 9066
Safety-Adjusted Yield 0.29%0.15%
Expense ratio0.19%0.33%
AUM$3.26B$48.9B
Distribution frequencyQuarterlyQuarterly
ObjectiveTracks the PHLX SOX Semiconductor Sector Index of US-listed semiconductor companies.Tracks the ICE Semiconductor Index of US-listed semiconductor companies.
Asset classEquityEquity
Inception date06/11/202107/10/2001
Beta2.272.33
Last dividend$0.084$0.325
Ex-dividend date09/21/202609/15/2026

Bottom lineSOXQ and SOXX are both for investors who want broad equity exposure — so strategy isn't the deciding factor here. Cost is: SOXQ charges 0.19% against 0.33% for SOXX, and between two funds this similar that gap comes straight out of your return every year you hold.

SOXQ vs SOXX: two semiconductor indexes, heavy overlap

These are not different sector bets. Both hold the same chip giants. Fee, index rules, and trading size are the real comparison — not a near-zero yield gap.

SOXQSOXX
IndexPHLX SOX Semiconductor Sector IndexICE Semiconductor Index
Expense ratio0.19%0.33%
Fund size$3.26B$48.9B
Distribution rate0.32%0.22%
What to verifyBid-ask spread and tracking differenceBid-ask spread and tracking difference
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Invesco
ETFs246
Total AUM$1012B

ETFs and AUM reflect what Dividend Vision tracks — the issuer's full lineup may be larger.

Invesco is a major ETF provider known for offering a comprehensive lineup spanning multiple asset classes and investment strategies. The company specializes in income-focused products including dividend, covered call, and bond strategies, while also maintaining broad exposure across equity, factor-based, thematic, and ESG investing themes. Invesco's portfolio ranges from index-tracking funds to alternatives and specialized offerings like digital assets and BulletShares, making it one of the more expansive ETF families available to investors.

See our curated list of related YouTube videos on SOXQ.

See all Invesco ETFs
iShares
ETFs466
Total AUM$4683B

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.

See all iShares ETFs

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Quick verdict

SOXQ (Invesco PHLX Semiconductor ETF) and SOXX (iShares Semiconductor ETF) are both quarterly-pay dividend ETFs, but they take different approaches.

SOXQ offers the higher yield at 0.32% vs 0.22% for SOXX. 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 0.33%.

They have different reference exposures: SOXQ is linked to PHLX SOX Semiconductor Sector Index while SOXX is linked to ICE Semiconductor Index, which means their performance drivers differ.

SOXX is the larger fund by assets ($48.9B), but assets alone do not establish trading costs or liquidity.

Deep dive

Yield & income

On a $10,000 investment, SOXQ would generate roughly $8.00 cash per distribution, while SOXX would produce $5.50 cash per distribution, at current distribution rates. Both pay quarterly distributions.

SOXQ yield0.32%
SOXX yield0.22%
Cash diff on $10K$2.50

Cost & efficiency

Over 10 years on $10,000, SOXQ would cost approximately $190 in fees vs $330 for SOXX (simplified, not compounded). The $140.00 difference may be offset by yield or performance.

SOXQ ER0.19%
SOXX ER0.33%

Strategy & risk

SOXQ tracks PHLX SOX Semiconductor Sector Index, while SOXX tracks ICE Semiconductor Index. Beta is 2.27 for SOXQ and 2.33 for SOXX, making SOXQ the less volatile of the two by this measure.

SOXQ beta2.27
SOXX beta2.33

Fund details

SOXQ is managed by Invesco (launched 06/11/2021) with $3.26B in assets. SOXX is managed by iShares (launched 07/10/2001) with $48.9B in assets.

SOXQ AUM$3.26B
SOXX AUM$48.9B
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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between SOXQ and SOXX?

Both are semiconductor index funds with heavy holdings overlap, so a yield screen does not separate them. SOXQ tracks PHLX SOX Semiconductor Sector Index at 0.19%; SOXX tracks ICE Semiconductor Index at 0.33%. Size and liquidity still differ: $3.26B versus $48.9B. Current distributions are 0.32% and 0.22% as of October 2026. Compare cost, index rules, and trading spreads — not a few basis points of yield.

What is the current distribution rate for SOXQ and SOXX?

SOXQ currently distributes 0.32% and SOXX 0.22%, based on fund data updated October 2026. Distribution rate moves with both the payout and the share price, so check the as-of date before relying on either figure.

Is SOXQ or SOXX 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.

Can I hold both SOXQ and SOXX?

Yes — nothing prevents holding both. Whether the combination actually diversifies depends on how much the underlying exposures overlap, which isn't fully measurable from the data on this page; review each security's holdings, sector, and strategy before treating them as complementary.

Is SOXQ or SOXX safer?

By Dividend Vision's Distribution Safety Score — a rules-based 0–100 estimate of how resilient a distribution looks, where higher is safer — SOXQ scores 90, SOXX scores 66, so SOXQ's payout currently looks the more resilient of the two. No score makes an investment risk-free — treat this as a screening signal, not a guarantee.

Which has lower fees, SOXQ or SOXX?

SOXQ has an expense ratio of 0.19% while SOXX charges 0.33%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.

How much income does $10,000 in SOXQ vs SOXX generate?

At current rates, $10,000 in SOXQ would generate roughly $8.00 cash per distribution ($32.00 annually). The same in SOXX would produce about $5.50 cash per distribution ($22.00 annually).

Which has performed better historically, SOXQ or SOXX?

SOXQ has lagged SOXX over the trailing twelve months, posting a 102.87% total return against 113.79%. The picture flips over 5 years, though — SOXQ has compounded at 33.20% a year, ahead of SOXX at 32.67%. Figures are total returns: price change plus every distribution reinvested. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

More comparisons to explore

SOXQ vs SOXX — at a glance

Generated October 3, 2026.

Overview

SOXQ and SOXX are both semiconductor-sector ETFs tracking different indexes of US-listed chip makers, but they differ in index construction, cost structure, and asset base. The two indexes weight holdings differently, which accounts for their distinct yield profiles and performance patterns.

How they differ

The biggest distinction is cost and scale. Second, the indexes themselves define different universes: the PHLX SOX index and ICE Semiconductor Index have different constituent lists and weighting methodologies, so the two funds may hold different chip-company proportions even within the same sector. Finally, beta is nearly identical at 2.27 for SOXQ and 2.33 for SOXX, confirming both amplify broad-market moves by roughly the same factor.

Who each is best for

SOXQ: Fits investors hunting the lowest semiconductor-sector expense ratio and comfortable with a smaller, newer fund tracking a more narrowly focused index.

SOXX: Fits investors who prioritize a two-decade track record, substantially larger asset base, and don't require the lowest fee; the lower cost of entry may appeal to smaller accounts given SOXX's $588.90 share price versus SOXQ's $103.41.

Key risks to know

  • Beta concentration: Both funds amplify semiconductor-sector volatility at beta 2.27 and 2.33, so drawdowns in chip stocks will be sharper than the overall market. Extended downturns in demand for semiconductors—cyclical in nature—can erase years of gains within months.
  • Index-definition divergence: Because PHLX SOX and ICE Semiconductor indexes use different constituent lists and weighting rules, the two funds' holdings overlap but are not identical. Holdings concentration in mega-cap chipmakers may differ between them, creating tracking risk relative to each other.
  • Sector concentration: Both track semiconductor companies only, omitting semiconductor equipment, materials, and distribution. A severe downturn in chip demand alone—decoupled from broader tech—poses outsized risk to both funds simultaneously.
  • Dividend yield mismatch with growth profile: Semiconductor companies typically retain earnings for capital expenditure and R&D rather than pay dividends. The modest yields (0.32% and 0.22%) suggest distributions may be partly return of capital; verify the composition before assuming they represent sustainable income. Both carry identical beta and sector concentration, so the choice hinges on fee sensitivity, fund age, and AUM comfort. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

AI-generated analysis for educational purposes only. Verify important details independently; past performance does not guarantee future results.

Learn the method

The metrics behind this comparison, explained in the Academy.

How to read a fund's stats How expense ratios eat returns Correlation between two funds

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These comparisons follow the Dividend Vision methodology.