Jin Rong Jie·2026-01-08 01:45Core Viewpoint - The semiconductor equipment sector is experiencing significant growth driven by a global semiconductor "super cycle" and the deepening of domestic chip replacement, leading to record highs for major equipment manufacturers and ETFs tracking this sector [1][2]. Industry Cycle - The semiconductor equipment sales are projected to reach a historical high in 2025, driven by AI-induced price increases in storage and advancements in process technology, which will boost domestic wafer fab utilization rates [2]. - SEMI forecasts that global semiconductor manufacturing equipment sales will reach $156 billion by 2026-2027, indicating a sustained growth trend [2]. Domestic Replacement Acceleration - The domestic semiconductor equipment localization rate is expected to rise to 22% by 2025, with significant breakthroughs in etching, cleaning, and CMP processes [2]. - Recent government and capital support initiatives, including increased investments in leading wafer fabs and mergers in the equipment sector, signal an acceleration in the self-sufficiency of the semiconductor supply chain [2]. Capital and Policy Support - The ongoing capital investment in advanced processes and the rising localization rate of equipment present historic development opportunities for domestic semiconductor equipment, with new order growth expected to exceed 30% and potentially reach over 50% [2]. Semiconductor Equipment ETF Overview - The semiconductor equipment ETF (561980) tracks the CSI semiconductor index, focusing on the upstream segment of the semiconductor industry, which has a nearly 60% equipment content [3]. - The top ten holdings in the ETF account for nearly 80% of its weight, including leading companies like Zhongwei Company (etching equipment) and Northern Huachuang (multi-field equipment) [3]. Performance Metrics - The CSI semiconductor index is projected to increase by 62.33% in 2025, with a maximum drawdown of 15.73%, outperforming other semiconductor indices since 2018 [4]. - The index has shown significant elasticity, indicating a more aggressive stance in the upcoming semiconductor cycle [4].