SOXX: iShares Semiconductor ETF returns, drawdowns and risk
Funds on technology, software, internet and semiconductor companies.
Data updated October 2026
SOXX · US exchange · USDCategory: Technology and semiconductor ETFsData from October 2006
From October 2006 to October 2026 SOXX returned 17.9% a year on average with dividends reinvested, in US dollars: $10,000 invested at the start grew to $269,206.
Its deepest fall was 67.0%, from July 2007 to November 2008, and it took about 76 months to get back to the previous high. Annual volatility was 31.6%; at the last close it was 23.6% below its high.
Against SPY (SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust), over the 240 months both have data, the correlation of monthly returns was 0.77: they usually moved together. Beta was 1.40. In months when SPY rose, SOXX moved 148% as much on average; in months when SPY fell, 128% as much.
Key figures
- Annual return (CAGR)
- +17.9%
- 1-year return
- +71.1%
- 5 years, a year
- +27.1%
- 10 years, a year
- +30.3%
- Annual volatility
- 31.6%
- Maximum drawdown
- −67.0%
- Sharpe ratio
- 0.63
- Worst year
- 2008: −52.1%
Trailing returns
| Period | SOXX | SPY |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year | +71.1% | +16.6% |
| 3 years, a year | +49.3% | +23.1% |
| 5 years, a year | +27.1% | +12.7% |
| 10 years, a year | +30.3% | +15.4% |
To the last close of October 2026. Periods longer than a year are annualised.
Growth of $10,000: SOXX vs SPY
Month-end values from November 2006, the first month both funds have data.
SOXX drawdowns
Percentage below the previous high, weekly.
Returns by calendar year
| Year | SOXX | SPY |
|---|---|---|
| 2026(partial) | +66.2% | +13.3% |
| 2025 | +40.7% | +17.7% |
| 2024 | +12.9% | +24.9% |
| 2023 | +66.1% | +26.2% |
| 2022 | −35.6% | −18.2% |
| 2021 | +43.4% | +28.7% |
| 2020 | +51.6% | +18.3% |
| 2019 | +60.8% | +31.2% |
| 2018 | −7.2% | −4.6% |
| 2017 | +38.8% | +21.7% |
| 2016 | +37.2% | +12.0% |
| 2015 | −2.9% | +1.2% |
| 2014 | +28.4% | +13.5% |
| 2013 | +40.3% | +32.3% |
| 2012 | +5.8% | +16.0% |
| 2011 | −11.1% | +1.9% |
| 2010 | +13.5% | +15.1% |
| 2009 | +74.0% | +26.4% |
| 2008 | −52.1% | −36.8% |
| 2007 | −2.5% | +5.1% |
| 2006(partial) | +1.4% | — |
SOXX compared
How the figures are calculated
Total return in the fund’s trading currency, from end-of-day prices with dividends reinvested on the ex-date. The fund’s own ongoing charges are already reflected in its price; trading costs, taxes and currency conversion are not included. Past returns do not predict future returns.
Sharpe ratio uses the return of short-term government bills in the same currency as the risk-free rate. The growth chart uses month-end values; drawdowns and volatility use daily closes.
Questions
What is the average annual return of SOXX?
From October 2006 to October 2026 SOXX returned 17.9% a year on average (CAGR) with dividends reinvested, in USD. Over the last 5 years: +27.1% a year. Over the last 12 months: +71.1%.
What was the worst drawdown of SOXX?
67.0%, from July 2007 to November 2008; it took about 76 months from the previous high to get back to it.
How volatile is SOXX?
Annual volatility was 31.6% over the period. Its worst month was −21.2% and 61% of months were positive. Worst calendar year: 2008 (−52.1%).
How closely does SOXX follow SPY?
Over 240 months the correlation of monthly returns was 0.77, so they usually moved together, with a beta of 1.40.
Use SOXX in a free tool
Other Technology and semiconductor ETFs
- All Technology and semiconductor ETFsReturns and risk side by side
- SMH — VanEck Semiconductor ETFCAGR +21.4%
- IGV — iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETFCAGR +13.2%
- FDN — First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index FundCAGR +13.8%
- QDVE — iShares S&P 500 Information Technology Sector UCITS ETFCAGR +23.5%
- VVSM — VanEck Semiconductor UCITS ETFCAGR +33.7%
Source: MarketStack end-of-day prices, total return with dividends reinvested. Figures are historical and descriptive; they are not forecasts and not investment advice. MEDGE Capital does not recommend buying or selling any instrument. Risk disclaimer.