SMH News & Analysis
17 articles
Market Mood
Futures Show Little Change After Major Indices Post Weekly Losses
Stock futures remained mostly unchanged as the S&P 500 dropped 1.6%, the Nasdaq Composite fell 2.9%, and the Dow lost 0.9% last week. Futures linked to the S&P 500 were down 0.1%, while Dow futures declined by 84 points, or 0.2%. The VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) lost nearly 9% over the past four weeks, indicating ongoing pressure in the semiconductor sector. This information is significant for investors as market sentiment may continue to be affected by geopolitical tensions and current earnings reports, particularly from major firms like Alphabet and Tesla.
Read More: Futures Show Little Change After Major Indices Post Weekly Losses
SOXX vs. SMH: $115 Billion in Semiconductor ETFs Compete
The iShares Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ: SOXX) and VanEck Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ: SMH) together manage over $115 billion in assets, making them leaders in the semiconductor ETF market. Although both ETFs have similar portfolios of around 25 to 30 companies, their weighting strategies differ significantly. SOXX imposes lower concentration limits on its holdings compared to SMH, which might expose investors to higher risks. This information is crucial for investors considering which ETF may be better positioned to handle future market volatility and sector challenges.
Read More: SOXX vs. SMH: $115 Billion in Semiconductor ETFs Compete
Stock Futures Fall as Dow Drops 301 Points Amid Chip Sell-Off
U.S. stock futures declined early Friday, following a tough trading session where the Dow Jones Industrial Average futures fell 301 points (0.6%). The S&P 500 futures lost 0.8% and Nasdaq-100 futures dropped 1.6%. The VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) slid nearly 4% as major chipmakers like Taiwan Semiconductor lost over 2%. This sell-off in semiconductor stocks adds to a broader decline seen in previous days, impacting market sentiment and possibly affecting investor confidence moving forward.
Read More: Stock Futures Fall as Dow Drops 301 Points Amid Chip Sell-Off
SK Hynix Options Debut with 150,000 Contracts Traded on Tuesday
SK Hynix options began trading on Tuesday, with around 150,000 contracts exchanged by midday. The stock surged over 20% on the same day, but the enthusiasm for options was muted compared to single-stock ETFs and leveraged funds, which drew speculative interest away. While more call options were traded than puts, the predominant trades were bearish, particularly selling calls. The trading of SK Hynix (SK) options is expected to increase once weekly options become available, making it relevant for investors monitoring trading volumes.
Read More: SK Hynix Options Debut with 150,000 Contracts Traded on Tuesday
S&P 500 (SPY) Gains 1.8% Amid Fed Minutes Focus
S&P 500 futures gained 0.4% and Nasdaq-100 futures advanced 1.3% following a strong week where the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose nearly 2% and is approaching 53,000. Last week, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq posted increases of 1.8% and 2.1%, respectively. Despite a 3.2% decline in the VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH), sectors like Financials, Healthcare, and Industrials reached new all-time highs. As traders await the Federal Reserve's June meeting minutes, the S&P 500 closed last week at 7,483.24, approximately 7% below the projected 8,000 mark by mid-August.
Read More: S&P 500 (SPY) Gains 1.8% Amid Fed Minutes Focus
Nikkei 225 and KOSPI Set for Mixed Start Amid Chip Sector Declines
Asia-Pacific markets are expected to extend losses as investors rotate out of technology stocks, tracking declines in the U.S. Japan's Nikkei 225 futures are at 68,775, down from a last close of 68,733.15. The S&P/ASX 200 is anticipated to open at 8,762, compared to its last close of 8,724.50. Meanwhile, the VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) fell 4.5%, led by a 13.6% drop in Teradyne and an 11.5% decline in KLA, impacting sentiment for tech stocks, including Nvidia, which fell by 1.4%.
Read More: Nikkei 225 and KOSPI Set for Mixed Start Amid Chip Sector Declines
Nomura Identifies Key Bottlenecks in Semiconductor Industry
Nomura analysts have highlighted overlooked bottlenecks in the semiconductor industry that could sustain the rally in chip stocks. The ongoing spending by hyperscalers is expected to maintain demand for semiconductor products. This insight may influence market dynamics as investors reassess the potential for growth in this sector. Key companies affected include those in the semiconductor supply chain, which may experience continued investment and revenue growth amidst these bottlenecks.
Read More: Nomura Identifies Key Bottlenecks in Semiconductor Industry
Micron (MU), Intel (INTC), AMD See $2 Trillion Gain in Q2
In the second quarter, Micron (MU), Intel (INTC), and AMD experienced substantial increases in market capitalization, collectively adding about $2 trillion. Micron's stock surged over 240%, contributing approximately $920 billion to its market cap, while Intel's shares rose 216%, adding $480 billion, and AMD's value increased by $615 billion with nearly tripled stock prices. This growth was driven by a shift in investor interest from AI hyperscalers to semiconductor manufacturers, buoyed by a surge in demand for memory and CPUs. The VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) reported a 71% increase, marking its best quarterly performance since inception in 2000.
Read More: Micron (MU), Intel (INTC), AMD See $2 Trillion Gain in Q2
Nvidia (NVDA) Shares Drop 3% Amid Chip Price Decline Predictions
Nvidia (NVDA) shares have experienced a 3% decline over the past month despite being up 12% in 2026. Kalshi traders predict a decrease in chip prices, contributing to market concerns. The price of the B200 chip's compute per hour decreased from $6.11 on May 30 to $4.22 by June 21. In contrast, the VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) is up 84% this year, highlighting a differing performance in the semiconductor sector. RBC Capital Markets remains bullish on Nvidia's future, despite current struggles, citing a significant rental agreement with Google for 110,000 Nvidia GPUs.
Read More: Nvidia (NVDA) Shares Drop 3% Amid Chip Price Decline Predictions
SpaceX (SPACEX) IPO Drives $2T Equity Surge, Fear Gauge Drops
SpaceX's initial public offering (IPO) has contributed to a surge of $2 trillion in new equity, alleviating market fears as the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) falls below 16. Following a previous downturn, the Nasdaq 100 increased by 3% and the S&P 500 rose by approximately 1.7%. SpaceX shares increased by 13% on Monday, bringing the company's market cap to nearly $2.5 trillion. This change signifies a shift in market sentiment, leading to more investor confidence and renewed interest in previously sold stocks, particularly semiconductors.
Read More: SpaceX (SPACEX) IPO Drives $2T Equity Surge, Fear Gauge Drops
SoftBank (9984) Shares Plunge 7.5% Amid Broader Asian Tech Sell-Off
SoftBank Group (9984) shares fell by 7.5% as part of a broader sell-off in Asian tech stocks. The Nasdaq Composite declined over 4.5% last week, contributing to the decline in the sector. Major South Korean companies Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix also saw drops of 5% and 2%, respectively, impacting the Kospi Index which plummeted up to 8%. This sell-off followed disappointing fiscal results from Broadcom, prompting significant declines across the semiconductor sector, with the VanEck Semiconductor ETF losing over 9% on Friday.
Read More: SoftBank (9984) Shares Plunge 7.5% Amid Broader Asian Tech Sell-Off
Asia tech stocks drop 7% as Broadcom earnings impact markets
Asian tech shares fell sharply following a poor earnings report from Broadcom (AVGO), leading to a rotation out of AI-linked stocks. Samsung Electronics declined nearly 7%, while SK Hynix dropped more than 8%. Tokyo Electron and Advantest saw declines exceeding 6%, with iPhone suppliers such as Hon Hai Precision and Pegatron down 1.7% and 2.6%, respectively. The VanEck Semiconductor ETF fell by over 1% as Broadcom tumbled more than 12% after a fiscal second-quarter revenue miss, indicating a broader market adjustment.
Read More: Asia tech stocks drop 7% as Broadcom earnings impact markets
Nikkei 225 Futures at 67,450; Dow Hits Record 51,561.93
Asia-Pacific markets were set to open mixed on Friday, with Japan's Nikkei 225 futures at 67,450, up from a previous close of 67,470.69. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at a record 51,561.93, gaining 874.86 points or 1.73%. The Nasdaq Composite fell by 0.09% to 26,830.96, while the S&P 500 rose by 0.41% to 7,584.31. This mixed performance was influenced by a sell-off in Broadcom, which dropped over 12% after disappointing revenue results, leading to caution among investors regarding AI-linked stocks.
Read More: Nikkei 225 Futures at 67,450; Dow Hits Record 51,561.93
Semiconductor Stocks See High Volatility Spread Amid Hedge Trading
Traders are implementing a strategy in semiconductor stocks by selling puts in the VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH), where implied volatility is 46, over 2.5 times that of the S&P 500, which has a VIX around 17. This hedge allows bullish sentiment in the semiconductor sector while protecting against broader market risks. Recently, over five times as many puts were sold than calls bought, indicating a shift in trading strategy. If semiconductor prices rise, traders retain net income from sold puts; if prices fall, the corresponding S&P puts are expected to pay off.
Read More: Semiconductor Stocks See High Volatility Spread Amid Hedge Trading
AMD (AMD) Surges 20% on Strong Guidance Amid Dow Futures Rise
Dow futures increased by 505 points, or 1%, following reports of a potential U.S.-Iran agreement to resolve the conflict, which led to a 10% drop in West Texas Intermediate oil prices. Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) saw its shares surge by 20% after issuing strong second-quarter revenue guidance of $11.2 billion, plus or minus $300 million. The broader semiconductor sector benefited, with the VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) up 3%. Trading volumes and price movements indicate a bullish market sentiment around these developments.
Read More: AMD (AMD) Surges 20% on Strong Guidance Amid Dow Futures Rise
Intel (INTC) Earnings Report Drives 23% Stock Surge
Intel (INTC) shares surged 23% following a strong earnings report, exceeding market expectations significantly. The VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) has risen over 30% this month, indicating bullish sentiment across the sector. Intel's market value surpassed $400 billion for the first time since the Dotcom Bubble in 2000. Additionally, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) experienced a 15% increase parallel to Intel's performance, reflecting the overall positive trend within semiconductor stocks amid sustained demand from AI data centers.
Read More: Intel (INTC) Earnings Report Drives 23% Stock Surge
Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) Rises Despite S&P 500 Record Highs
The S&P 500 reached record highs, yet the Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) remained around 20, rising from a lower index when the S&P was 100 points down. Typically, the VIX and S&P move in tandem about 20% of the time. Additionally, call premiums in the VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) surpassed puts by 25%, highlighting investor interest in stocks like Marvell Technology (MRVL), which has seen its stock double since last earnings. This market dynamic raises concerns about potential near-term pullbacks in the index as volatility adjusts.
Read More: Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) Rises Despite S&P 500 Record Highs