A side-by-side comparison of VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) and AIQ (AIQ) to help Canadian investors make an informed decision.
1-Year Performance
Normalised to 100 at the start — shows relative return over the trailing 12 months.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | SMH | AIQ |
|---|---|---|
| YTD Return | -22.49% | +56.48%✓ |
| 1-Day Change | -0.78% | +62.13%✓ |
| 1-Week Change | -6.73% | +66.86%✓ |
| 1-Month Change | -18.17% | +49.97%✓ |
| Current Price | $483.63 | $58.40 |
| AUM | $63.48B | — |
| MER (Expense Ratio) | 0.35% | — |
| Dividend Yield | 0.21% | — |
| Distribution Frequency | — | — |
| Inception Date | 2011-12-20 | — |
| Holdings Count | 24 | — |
| MorningStar Rating | — | — |
| Category | Technology Equity | — |
| Beta | 2.12 | — |
| 52-Week High | $671.83 | — |
| 52-Week Low | $314.07 | — |
| 50-Day MA | $564.32 | — |
| 200-Day MA | $522.19 | — |
✓ marks the better value for return/yield/AUM metrics. Lower ✓ for MER.
Annualised Returns
| Period | SMH | AIQ |
|---|---|---|
| YTD | -22.49% | +56.48%✓ |
| 1 Year | +34.68% | — |
| 3 Year | +47.26% | — |
| 5 Year | +28.35% | — |
| 10 Year | +30.91% | — |
| 1Y Volatility | 48.26% | — |
| Sharpe Ratio (3Y) | 1.35 | — |
Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
Sector Weights
| Sector | SMH | AIQ |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Materials | 0.00% | — |
| Communication Services | 0.00% | — |
| Consumer Cyclicals | 0.00% | — |
| Consumer Defensive | 0.00% | — |
| Energy | 0.00% | — |
| Financial Services | 0.00% | — |
| Healthcare | 0.00% | — |
| Industrials | 0.00% | — |
| Real Estate | 0.00% | — |
| Technology | 100.00% | — |
| Utilities | 0.00% | — |
About SMH
The fund normally invests at least 80% of its total assets in securities that comprise the fund's benchmark index. The index includes common stocks and depositary receipts of U.S. exchange-listed companies in the semiconductor industry. Such companies may include medium-capitalization companies and foreign companies that are listed on a U.S. exchange. The fund is non-diversified.
About AIQ
AIQ (AIQ.TO) is a Canadian-listed ETF traded on the TO. More detailed information will be available soon.
Which ETF is Right for You?
Both SMH and AIQ are listed on Canadian exchanges and accessible through most Canadian brokerages including Questrade, Wealthsimple Trade, TD Direct, and Interactive Brokers.
Based on the available data, AIQ scores higher across our tracked metrics including YTD performance, dividend yield, and AUM — though both ETFs warrant individual research before investing.
- Consider your account type (TFSA, RRSP, non-registered) as it can affect dividend taxation.
- Compare management expense ratios (MER) directly on each provider's website.
- Look at average daily trading volume to assess liquidity.
- Review the fund's underlying index and holdings to ensure the exposure matches your goals.
This is not financial advice. Always do your own research or consult a licensed financial advisor before investing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between SMH and AIQ?
SMH (VanEck Semiconductor ETF) and AIQ (AIQ) are both Canadian-listed ETFs. Key differences include their AUM ($63.48B vs —), dividend yield (0.21% vs N/A), and year-to-date performance (-22.49% vs +56.48%).
Is SMH better than AIQ?
There is no single "better" ETF — it depends on your investment goals. If you prioritise dividends, compare both yields and choose based on your income needs. Always review the fund's prospectus and consider your tax situation.
Can I buy SMH and AIQ on Wealthsimple?
Most Canadian-listed ETFs are available on Wealthsimple Trade commission-free. Both SMH and AIQ should be accessible. Check Wealthsimple's supported tickers list to confirm availability.
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