Semiconductor ETFs Soaring to New Heights

The global semiconductor market is expected to grow 12.5% year over year to reach $522 billion in 2021, according to the International Data Corporation. Per the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS), the worldwide semiconductor market is expected to surge 25% in 2021 following 6.8% growth in 2020. All major product categories will likely see increases with memory set to register the largest revenue growth of 37.1%, followed by 29.1% growth in the analog segment and 26.2% in logic (read: 4 Chip ETFs You Should Not Ignore).

Further, the semiconductor space has also been witnessing mergers and acquisitions, providing a boost to stock prices. Advanced Micro Devices AMD has agreed to buy field-programmable chipmaker Xilinx XLNX for $35 billion while Western Digital WDC is planning to merge with Japan’s Kioxia in a deal exceeding $20 billion. Nvidia NVDA is also in the process of acquiring UK-based chip designer Arm Ltd from Japan's SoftBank Group Corp for about $40 billion.

This ETF follows the PHLX SOX Semiconductor Sector Index and offers exposure to 30 U.S. companies that design, manufacture and distribute semiconductors. The fund has amassed $7.4 billion in its asset base and trades in a solid average volume of around 668,000 shares a day. It charges 43 bps in fees a year from its investors (read: Semiconductor ETF Hits New 52-Week High).

This fund provides exposure to 25 securities by tracking the MVIS US Listed Semiconductor 25 Index. The product has managed assets worth $6 billion and charges 35 bps in annual fees and expenses. It is heavily traded with volume of around 3.1 million shares per day.

This fund tracks the S&P Semiconductor Select Industry Index, holding 40 stocks in its portfolio. It has amassed $1.1 billion in its asset base while trades in an average daily volume of about 53,000 shares. It charges 35 bps in fees per year.

This fund tracks the Dynamic Semiconductor Intellidex Index, holding 31 securities in its basket. It has AUM of $696.2 million and sees moderate average daily volume of 31,000 shares. The expense ratio is 0.57% (read: Chip Shortages: ETF Winners and Losers).

This fund offers exposure to the most-liquid U.S. semiconductor securities based on volatility, value and growth by tracking the Nasdaq US Smart Semiconductor Index. Holding 30 stocks in its basket, FTXL has accumulated $77.5 million in AUM. The average trading volume is light at around 7,000 shares and expense ratio is 0.60%.