Is iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) a Strong ETF Right Now?

Core Insights - The iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) is a smart beta ETF launched on July 10, 2001, designed to provide broad exposure to the Technology ETFs category [1] - The fund is managed by Blackrock and has amassed over $13.39 billion in assets, making it one of the largest ETFs in the Technology sector [5] - SOXX seeks to match the performance of the PHLX SOX Semiconductor Sector Index, which measures U.S. traded securities in the semiconductor business [5] Fund Characteristics - SOXX has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.35%, making it one of the least expensive products in its category [6] - The ETF has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 0.69% [6] - The fund has a concentrated exposure with about 35 holdings, which is more than its peers [10] Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF is fully allocated in the Information Technology sector, accounting for approximately 100% of the portfolio [7] - Advanced Micro Devices Inc (AMD) represents about 8.33% of the fund's total assets, with Nvidia Corp (NVDA) and Broadcom Inc (AVGO) also being significant holdings [8] - The top 10 holdings make up approximately 57.85% of SOXX's total assets under management [8] Performance Metrics - The ETF has a return of roughly 11.73% and has increased by about 2.68% year-to-date as of August 1, 2025 [9] - SOXX has traded between $154.86 and $247.95 over the last 52 weeks [9] - The fund has a beta of 1.46 and a standard deviation of 35.68% for the trailing three-year period, indicating a high-risk profile [10] Alternatives - Other ETFs in the semiconductor space include SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (XSD) and VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH), with assets of $1.29 billion and $26.69 billion respectively [12] - Both XSD and SMH have an expense ratio of 0.35% [12] - Traditional market cap weighted ETFs may offer cheaper and lower-risk options for investors [12]