The XSD Semiconductor ETF Pops 12%, But Has an Intel Problem

Core Viewpoint - The SPDR Semiconductor ETF (XSD) has gained 43.15% over the past year due to increased AI infrastructure spending, but its equal-weight structure creates challenges as legacy players like Intel lag behind [1] Group 1: ETF Performance - The XSD ETF is up 11.85% year-to-date and has seen significant gains driven by AI demand [1] - Micron Technology's revenue surged 57% year-over-year to $13.64 billion in Q1 FY26, highlighting the strong demand for high-bandwidth memory [1] - The equal-weight structure of XSD means that underperformers like Intel can drag down overall returns, despite strong performances from other stocks [1] Group 2: Macro Factors - The trajectory of AI infrastructure spending is crucial for the continued success of XSD, with NVIDIA reporting high demand for cloud GPUs [1] - Micron's gross margins for Cloud Memory reached 66%, indicating strong pricing power driven by AI demand [1] - Geopolitical risks, particularly concerning Taiwan's semiconductor production, could significantly impact the global supply chain if disrupted [1] Group 3: Micro Factors - XSD's quarterly rebalancing can create tension between sector leaders and laggards, affecting overall fund performance [1] - Intel's recent decline of nearly 6% contrasts with Micron's 2.59% increase, which could erode returns until the next rebalance [1] - The fund's equal-weight discipline requires selling outperformers to buy laggards, which may limit potential gains if AI momentum continues [1]