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Head-to-head · ETF vs ETF

Vanguard Information Technology ETF vs VanEck Semiconductor ETF

ETF·NYSE

Vanguard Information Technology ETF VGT

$122.78 ▲ 1.50%
Buy
74 / 100 AI score
Full VGT analysis →
vs

ETF·NASDAQ

VanEck Semiconductor ETF SMH

$541.62 ▲ 2.74%
Hold
55 / 100 AI score
Full SMH analysis →
01

VGT vs SMH: the verdict

How VGT and SMH compare today, and what CleaRank Financial AI makes of it.

The verdict

CleaRank Financial AI favours VGT
VGT SMH
74/100 AI score 55/100
+24.6% 1-year change +54.2%
23.9% Volatility (30d, yearly) 35.1%
49.9 RSI (14-day) 39.8
The verdict
Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) comes out ahead on CleaRank's model, scoring 74/100 (Buy) against 55/100 (Hold) for VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH). The widest gap is the trend: for VGT, the price is 12.64% above its 200-day average, and the 50-day average is 12.39% above the 200-day.
Outlook
VGT sits between its 50-day average at $122.35 and its 200-day at $108.86. SMH sits between its 50-day average at $574.17 and its 200-day at $516.25.
02

Price, side by side

Both prices start at 0% on the first day of the period you pick, so the moves compare directly.

Rebased price

Nov '25Jan '26Mar '26Jun '26Aug '26Oct '26
VGT SMH

Over 1 year: VGT gained 25.0% and SMH gained 54.2%, a gap of 29.2 points in SMH's favour.

03

Key metrics

Size and recent performance for each.

Size and market performance

VGT SMH
$177.9B Size (net assets / market cap) $74.9B
3.2M Volume (shares, last session) 10.1M
83% Position in 52-week range 64%
+0.3% Price against 50-day average -5.7%
Reading
Cost favors VGT. Its expense ratio is 0.09%, while SMH charges 0.35%. Put $10,000 into each and the yearly fee comes to $9.00 for VGT and $35.00 for SMH. VGT is also the bigger fund, holding $177.9B in net assets compared with $74.9B for SMH.
04

Momentum and sentiment

The indicators behind each AI score, side by side.

Indicators side by side

VGT SMH
74/100 AI score 55/100
49.9 RSI (14-day) 39.8
+0.3% Price against 50-day average -5.7%
+12.6% Price against 200-day average +4.9%
Technicals
Its 14-day RSI is 45.0, in the neutral zone, with the MACD line negative. SMH is in a mixed trend, trading 5.67% below its 50-day average and 4.91% above its 200-day average. Its 14-day RSI is 39.8, in the bearish zone, with the MACD line negative. VGT sits higher in its 52-week range, at 80% against 64% for SMH.
Sentiment
Over the past month VGT dropped 4.15%, but over three months it climbed 7.58%. SMH slipped 10.71% in the past month and also lost 1.26% over three months.
05

Risk and practical tips

How much each moves, how much return each has paid for that risk, and what to watch if you hold either.

Risk measures

VGT SMH
23.9% Volatility (30d, yearly) 35.1%
0.88 Sharpe ratio 1.01
Risk
On an average day SMH makes the bigger move, 2.17% against 1.37% for VGT.
ProTips
  1. For SMH, watch the 20-day EMA at $566.12 above the price and the 200-day SMA at $516.25 below it.
  2. Costs compound: VGT charges $9.00 a year on $10,000 and SMH $35.00.
06

VGT vs SMH: long-term scenarios

Simulated paths from each price history. A range of outcomes, not a forecast.

Simulated growth of $10,000

202620282030203220342036
VGT median VGT 90th SMH median SMH 90th
VGT SMH
$10,007 Downside, 2036 (10th) $7,533
$27,656 Base case, 2036 (median) $29,535
$76,431 Upside, 2036 (90th) $115,792

In the median simulated path, $10,000 in VGT grows to about $27,700 and $10,000 in SMH to about $29,500 by 2036. The paths come from each asset's own historical volatility and trend; they are statistical outcomes, not forecasts.

07

Trade plans for both

Entry, stop and target levels from each moving average and its volatility. Educational, not advice.

Actionable Trade Plans

Select Your Trade Bias
Risk Tolerance
Conservative 3% Aggressive
Portfolio Value
$ ✎
Position Size: $200 - $300 per asset
VGT
Current: $122.78
ENTRY ZONES
$116.64
$122.78
RISK MANAGEMENT
STOP LOSS
$113.14
MAX LOSS
-3%
Volatility-Adjusted Stop Loss
Calculated based on volatility and technical support levels.
Profit Targets (Based on Conservative)
+5% from current
$128.92
+10% from current
$135.06
+15% from current
$141.20
SMH
Current: $541.62
ENTRY ZONES
$514.54
$541.62
RISK MANAGEMENT
STOP LOSS
$499.10
MAX LOSS
-3%
Volatility-Adjusted Stop Loss
Calculated based on volatility and technical support levels.
Profit Targets (Based on Conservative)
+5% from current
$568.70
+10% from current
$595.78
+15% from current
$622.86
Disclaimer
The content is for educational purposes only. The verdict weighs trend, valuation and risk together. Trading involves risk of loss.

Note: The AI favored VGT based on its price trend, on today's data.
08

VGT vs SMH: questions people ask

Answered from the figures on this page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, VGT or SMH?+
On CleaRank's model VGT scores higher, 74/100 (Buy) against 55/100 (Hold) for SMH. This describes the data on this page and is not a personal recommendation.
Which has performed better over the past year, VGT or SMH?+
Over the past year SMH has been the stronger performer. Its price climbed 54.25%, while VGT's rose 24.98%.
Which is cheaper to own, VGT or SMH?+
VGT charges less: an expense ratio of 0.09% against 0.35% for SMH.
Which pays more income, VGT or SMH?+
VGT has the higher yield, 0.38% against 0.18% for SMH. A yield is the payout divided by the price, so it changes when either one does.
Which is riskier, VGT or SMH?+
Day to day, SMH moves more. Its average daily move is 2.17%, against 1.37% for VGT.
Which has stronger momentum right now, VGT or SMH?+
VGT has the higher 14-day RSI, 45.0 (neutral) against 39.8 (bearish) for SMH. Both MACD lines are negative. Readings above 70 or below 30 mark stretched momentum.
Which fund is larger, VGT or SMH?+
VGT is the bigger fund by net assets, holding $177.9B against $74.9B for SMH.
Which is closer to its 52-week high, VGT or SMH?+
VGT is nearer its 52-week high. The price sits 7.44% under the $130.66 peak, while SMH sits 19.38% under its $671.83 high.
Are VGT and SMH in an uptrend?+
SMH is in a mixed trend, trading 5.67% below its 50-day average and 4.91% above its 200-day.

Disclaimer: CleaRank.com is a financial data and analytics provider, not a registered investment advisor, broker-dealer, or financial regulatory body. This AI-generated comparison of VGT vs SMH is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, investment recommendations, or an offer to buy or sell any securities or digital assets. The comparison metrics, trade plans, and AI signals are hypothetical, hindsight-based, and simulated. Different asset classes carry different risk profiles - stocks, ETFs, cryptocurrencies, commodities, and forex each have unique regulatory frameworks and risk factors. Market data is provided "as-is" and may be delayed by 15 minutes or more. Past performance does not guarantee future results. You should never invest money you cannot afford to lose. Consult a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Analysis generated on October 27, 2026.

Disclaimer:

Engaging in financial markets carries significant risk of total capital loss. Markets are volatile, unpredictable, and past success does not guarantee future results. Never invest funds you cannot afford to lose. CleaRank does not offer financial, investment, or advisory services. We provide no recommendations, endorsements, or guarantees regarding market outcomes. You alone are responsible for your decisions.

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