iShares MSCI South Africa ETF vs iShares Semiconductor ETF — how do they compare? iShares MSCI South Africa ETF trades at $67.33, while iShares Semiconductor ETF trades at $552. The key difference: iShares Semiconductor ETF is trading nearer its 52-week high, iShares MSCI South Africa ETF nearer its low. Which is the better fit depends on your goals.
| EZA | SOXX | |
|---|---|---|
Sector | Broad Market / Factor | Sector/Thematic |
52-Week High | $81.60 | $655.01 |
52-Week Low | $56.57 | $241.68 |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
EZA trades at $68.33, down 0.38% on the day, with a bullish technical signal from moving averages but overbought RSI readings. The stock faces resistance at $69 and support at $68. Recent corporate actions include a future dividend of $1.43 scheduled for June 2026, though key financial ratios are currently unavailable.
Outlook is clouded by macroeconomic headwinds affecting its South African-focused portfolio, particularly in gold, banking, and platinum group metals. Investment opportunities hinge on commodity price stability, while risks include global reflation and unfavorable yield curve dynamics pressuring constituent performance.
SOXX trades at $546.61, up 2.32% with a bullish technical signal from moving averages. The semiconductor ETF shows strong institutional interest with Bank of America increasing its stake by 20.9% in Q1 2026. Recent news highlights AI-driven volatility, with July's 21% pullback followed by renewed optimism from cloud company earnings. The fund remains concentrated in 30 semiconductor stocks, offering targeted exposure to the chip sector.
Outlook remains cautiously optimistic as AI infrastructure spending drives long-term growth potential, though concentration risk and sector volatility present challenges. Recent cloud company performance suggests sustained demand, but geopolitical tensions and tariff policies could impact semiconductor supply chains. The ETF's performance hinges on continued AI adoption and semiconductor industry dynamics.
Trailing returns across standard periods
Latest headlines on both assets
EZA is a country-specific ETF that tracks the South African equity market. It provides exposure to large and mid-cap companies across key sectors like materials and financials, with top holdings such as AngloGold Ashanti and Naspers.
Read more on EZA →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 →