VanEck Semiconductor ETF vs iShares Semiconductor ETF — how do they compare? VanEck Semiconductor ETF trades at $603.71 (market cap $73.92B), while iShares Semiconductor ETF trades at $559.82 (market cap $48.19B). The key difference: VanEck Semiconductor ETF is the larger of the two by market cap, and VanEck Semiconductor ETF is more actively traded (11,050,892 versus 10,257,578). Which is the better fit depends on your goals — on Pluang, investors hold VanEck Semiconductor ETF for 101 Days and iShares Semiconductor ETF for 46 Days on average.
| SMH | SOXX | |
|---|---|---|
Market Cap | $73.92B | $48.19B |
Volume | 11,050,892 | 10,257,578 |
52-Week High | $668.91 | $655.01 |
52-Week Low | $325.10 | $268.10 |
Typical Hold Time | 101 Days | 46 Days |
Sector | — | Sector/Thematic |
Signals from Pluang's Aura AI — not financial advice
SMH trades at $603.33, down 3.47% on the day, but maintains a bullish technical outlook with strong moving average support. The semiconductor ETF has delivered exceptional returns, up approximately 69% year-to-date through September 30, 2026, significantly outperforming the broader market. Recent sector strength is driven by AI demand and positive industry developments, including AMD's $8.2 billion acquisition of World Labs.
The semiconductor sector's structural growth, particularly in AI applications, supports continued upside potential. However, concentration risk in top holdings like Nvidia and sensitivity to US-China trade tensions present meaningful headwinds. Current technical levels suggest support at $597 with resistance at $620, providing clear near-term trading parameters.
SOXX trades at $559.40, down 4.04% over the past 24 hours amid broader semiconductor sector volatility. The ETF maintains a bullish technical signal with strong moving average support, while oscillators show neutral momentum. Recent news highlights continued AI-driven semiconductor demand with projections of market growth to $2.3 trillion by 2030, though concerns about valuation premiums and Michael Burry's expanded short positions create mixed sentiment.
The semiconductor sector faces a critical juncture with AI infrastructure demand driving earnings growth while elevated valuations present headwinds. SOXX's fundamental strength depends on continued chip industry expansion, though concentration risk and potential market rotation pose significant challenges for near-term performance.
Trailing returns across standard periods
What Pluang investors did over the last 30 days
Latest headlines on both assets
The fund normally invests at least 80% of its total assets in securities that comprise the target index. The index includes common stocks and depositary receipts of US exchange-listed companies in the semiconductor industry. Such companies may include medium-capitalization companies and foreign companies that are listed on a US exchange. The fund is non-diversified.
Read more on SMH →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 →