Is SEMI a good ETF?
SEMI is the Global X Semiconductor ETF from Global X. It tracks the Solactive Semiconductor 30 Index. We classify it under Intl, Thematic, and Tech. With about $935 million in assets it is a solidly established fund. Listed on the ASX since 2021-08-12 (about 5 years ago).
On a total-return basis, SEMI has delivered 50.47% a year over 3 years (ranked 1st of 226 ETFs we track) and 106.24% a year over 1 year (ranked 2nd of 308 ETFs we track). Its strongest showing is over 3 years, where it sits in the top 0% of all ETFs we track.
The management fee of 0.45% is on the higher side. That's cheaper than the typical 0.48% for similar ETFs. If cost is your priority, FANG (0.35%) cover similar ground for less. It pays a high 8.32% yield — generous income, but check it isn't a sign of a narrow or higher-risk portfolio. Bear in mind distributions are taxed each year at your marginal rate, so a high yield is less tax-efficient for higher earners and during the accumulation phase.
Over the past 3 years its volatility has been high (annualised standard deviation around 35.35%), meaning a bumpy ride with deep drawdowns. Its 3-year Sharpe ratio of 1.22 is strong — that's the return it has earned per unit of risk taken (higher is better).
Portfolio turnover is low at about 15% a year — it trades only a small slice of its holdings each year, so trading costs and tax on realised gains stay modest — typical of a passive index strategy.
Strengths
- Top-0% returns over 3 years (1st of 226 ETFs we track).
- High 8.32% income yield — good for investors who want regular cash flow.
- Strong risk-adjusted returns (3-year Sharpe ratio 1.22).
Things to watch
- Cheaper alternatives exist: FANG.
- That income is taxed yearly at your marginal rate, so it's less efficient for higher earners.
- High volatility (35.35% over 3 years) — expect deep drawdowns.
- Highly concentrated single-theme bet — keep the position size small.
What SEMI's categories mean for you
How each category this ETF belongs to tends to behave across market cycles.
Global and international shares from outside Australia — broadening you into thousands of companies and the sectors (tech, healthcare) the local market lacks.
- Market regime
- Essential diversification away from the bank-and-resources-heavy ASX. Unhedged versions carry currency risk; hedged versions remove it at a small cost.
- In a portfolio
- A core holding for almost every long-term Australian portfolio.
A concentrated bet on a single trend — AI, battery tech, cybersecurity, robotics and the like. High conviction, high concentration, and often high fees.
- Market regime
- Frequently launched after a theme is already hot, which has historically been a poor entry point. Expect very large swings in both directions.
- In a portfolio
- A small satellite position at most. Treat it as a speculative tilt, never as a core holding.
Concentrated in technology and high-growth innovation. The highest long-run growth potential on offer, paired with the deepest drawdowns.
- Market regime
- Very sensitive to interest rates and sentiment: powers ahead when money is cheap and optimism is high, and falls hardest when rates rise or risk appetite sours. Low dividends, high volatility.
- In a portfolio
- A long-horizon, high-conviction holding for investors with a strong stomach. Size the position so a 40-50% drawdown wouldn't derail your plan.
General information only, generated from the fund's published data — not personal financial advice. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns. Consider your own circumstances or seek licensed advice before investing.