iShares MSCI South Korea ETF vs iShares Semiconductor ETF — how do they compare? iShares MSCI South Korea ETF trades at $162.57, while iShares Semiconductor ETF trades at $527.36. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| EWY | SOXX | |
|---|---|---|
Sector | Broad Market / Factor | Sector/Thematic |
52-Week High | $219.20 | $655.01 |
52-Week Low | $70.65 | $236.93 |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
EWY is trading at $163.67, down 7.52% with significant volatility driven by its heavy concentration in South Korean semiconductor giants Samsung and SK Hynix. The ETF has entered bear market territory, reflecting global tech sector pressures and foreign investor selling. Technical indicators show bearish momentum with RSI near oversold levels at 28, while support sits at $157. Recent news highlights the Kospi Index's 21% decline from YTD highs, creating both risk and potential opportunity.
The outlook remains challenged by semiconductor cycle volatility and concentrated exposure, but long-term AI demand fundamentals provide potential upside. Key risks include single-stock concentration, foreign capital flows, and global tech sentiment shifts. Investors should weigh near-term volatility against structural semiconductor growth drivers.
The iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) trades at $526.42, down 7.31% over 24 hours amid a broader semiconductor sector pullback. Technical indicators show a bearish trend with support at $511 and resistance at $554, while RSI levels near 37 suggest neutral momentum. The ETF has delivered exceptional year-to-date performance, rising 88.78% through mid-July 2026 according to Bank of America analysis, driven by AI demand and memory chip shortages.
Outlook remains tied to semiconductor cycle dynamics with AI growth as primary catalyst, though risks include sector volatility, crowded positioning noted by Bank of America, and high valuation sensitivity. Michael Burry's recent short position against the ETF highlights contrarian concerns about sustainability of the AI-driven rally.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
EWY tracks the MSCI Korea 25/50 Index, offering targeted exposure to large and mid-cap companies in South Korea. It is structurally centered on the global technology supply chain, industrials, and financial services, serving as a liquid tool for investors seeking a single-country view of this advanced, innovation-led economy.
Read more on EWY →SOXX provides investors with exposure to U.S. companies that design, manufacture, and distribute semiconductors. It tracks the ICE Semiconductor Index, offering a targeted investment in the technology sector's foundational components, including firms that produce chips, related equipment, and services. SOXX is a key vehicle for investors seeking to capitalize on trends in artificial intelligence, 5G, and other technologies that rely heavily on advanced semiconductor technology.
Read more on SOXX →