QYLD vs SMH: Global X NASDAQ 100 Covered Call ETF vs VanEck Semiconductor ETF Comparison
Compare QYLD (Global X NASDAQ 100 Covered Call ETF) and SMH (VanEck Semiconductor ETF) by expense ratio, dividend yield, holdings, and more.
Key Differences
- 1Expense ratio: SMH 0.35% vs QYLD 0.6% (SMH is 0.25%p cheaper)
- 2Dividend yield: QYLD 11.82% vs SMH 0.5%
- 3Category: QYLD is Income / Covered Call, SMH is Sector ETFs
- 4Holdings: QYLD 103 vs SMH 26
- 5Issuer: QYLD (Global X) vs SMH (VanEck)
Conclusion
QYLD and SMH each have different strengths, so the choice depends on your investment objectives. Choose the one with lower fees if cost is a priority, or the one with higher yield if income is your goal.
| Category | QYLD | SMH |
|---|---|---|
| Fund Name | Global X NASDAQ 100 Covered Call ETF | VanEck Semiconductor ETF |
| Current Price | ... | ... |
| Category | Income / Covered Call | Sector ETFs |
| Expense Ratio | 0.6% | 0.35% |
| Dividend Yield | 11.82% | 0.5% |
| Holdings | 103 | 26 |
QYLD Top Holdings
- 1. Nasdaq 100 Stocks + Covered Call Writing
SMH Top Holdings
- 1. Nvidia
- 2. TSMC
- 3. Broadcom
- 4. ASML
QYLD Features
- •Monthly dividends
- •Covered call
- •High income
- •Limited upside
SMH Features
- •Semiconductor investing
- •Benefits from AI
- •Concentrated portfolio
- •Global semiconductors
Pros & Cons
QYLD
Advantages
- ✓ High monthly dividends
- ✓ Reduced volatility
- ✓ Bear market defense
Disadvantages
- ⚠ Limited upside returns
- ⚠ Potential principal loss
- ⚠ Tax inefficiency
SMH
Advantages
- ✓ Benefits from AI growth
- ✓ Core semiconductor companies
- ✓ High growth rate
Disadvantages
- ⚠ Sector concentration risk
- ⚠ Cyclical volatility
- ⚠ High valuation
Investment Strategy
Best For: QYLD
For retirement income; bear market preparation; 10-20% of total portfolio
Best For: SMH
Satellite strategy at 5-10%; alternative to SOXX
Detailed Analysis
QYLD (Global X NASDAQ 100 Covered Call ETF) and SMH (VanEck Semiconductor ETF) They belong to different categories — Income / Covered Call and Sector ETFs — representing distinct investment areas. QYLD: Global X NASDAQ 100 Covered Call ETF (QYLD) is an exchange-traded fund that provides investors with exposure to income generation through covered call and option strategies. It carries an expense ratio of 0.60%. The fund offers a dividend yield of approximately 11.82%. The portfolio holds 103 securities. With an expense ratio of 0.6% and dividend yield of 11.82%, its top holdings include Nasdaq 100 Stocks + Covered Call Writing. Key features include Monthly dividends, Covered call, with High monthly dividends being a major advantage. SMH: VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) is an exchange-traded fund that provides investors with exposure to specific industry sectors. It carries an expense ratio of 0.35%. The fund offers a dividend yield of approximately 0.50%. The portfolio holds 26 securities. With an expense ratio of 0.35% and dividend yield of 0.5%, top holdings include Nvidia, TSMC, Broadcom. Notable features are Semiconductor investing, Benefits from AI, with Benefits from AI growth as a core strength. In terms of expense ratio, SMH is 0.25%p cheaper, which can lead to significant cost savings through compounding over long-term investment. Over 20 years with a $100,000 investment, this difference can amount to thousands of dollars.
Investment Recommendation
QYLD is suitable for For retirement income; bear market preparation; 10-20% of total portfolio, while SMH is suitable for Satellite strategy at 5-10%; alternative to SOXX. Since they are in different categories, holding both can provide portfolio diversification benefits. Adjust the allocation based on your risk tolerance and investment horizon. For beginners, we recommend a core-satellite strategy: choose a low-cost, well-diversified ETF as your core holding, and allocate the rest to satellite positions.
Key Summary
Both QYLD and SMH are excellent ETFs for their respective investment objectives. The key is to choose based on your investment goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. Rather than focusing on a single metric (dividend yield, fees, etc.), evaluate from a holistic portfolio perspective. Use our rebalancing calculator to easily determine the optimal asset allocation including both ETFs.
QYLD vs SMH Investment Guide
Both QYLD and SMH are popular US ETFs, but they differ in investment strategy and portfolio role. QYLD has an expense ratio of 0.6%, while SMH charges 0.35%, giving SMH a cost advantage. In terms of dividend yield, QYLD offers 11.82% while SMH offers 0.5%, making QYLD the better choice for income investors.
When choosing between the two, consider your investment goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. If long-term growth is your priority, favor the ETF with lower fees and broader diversification. If you need steady cash flow, the higher-yielding ETF may be more suitable. You can also hold both in your portfolio for a complementary approach.
Regardless of which ETF you choose, maintaining your target allocation through regular rebalancing is key to long-term performance. Review your portfolio quarterly or semi-annually, and adjust if weights have drifted significantly. Our rebalancing calculator can automatically determine the buy/sell quantities for each holding.
5 Things to Check When Comparing ETFs
Expense Ratio: Even a 0.1% difference in fees can translate to thousands of dollars over long-term investing. When two ETFs track a similar index, the lower-cost option has the edge.
Tracking Index & Holdings: Even ETFs in the same category may track different indices. Review the top holdings and sector weights to find the best fit for your investment goals.
Dividend Policy: Compare dividend frequency (monthly vs quarterly), yield, and dividend growth rate. Monthly dividend ETFs may be preferable if you need regular cash flow.
Trading Volume & Liquidity: Sufficient daily trading volume ensures you can buy and sell at fair prices. Low-volume ETFs may have wider bid-ask spreads, increasing your trading costs.
Portfolio Role: Determine whether the ETF serves as a core or satellite holding in your portfolio, and size your position accordingly.