Investors and traders committed to precious metals have had quite a run in December and may be wondering whether 2026 could be another banner year. - Getty Images Investors and traders who patiently held on to precious metals this year, which saw a sharp pullback in early April, have been rewarded. Precious metals have had an incredible run during 2025, with silver accelerating in December for a year-to-date gain of 154% early on Dec. 26. - FactSet The above chart shows price movement for continuous fro ...

Core Insights - The semiconductor sector is outperforming the software sector, with the VanEck Semiconductor ETF up 33% year to date, significantly surpassing the returns of the iShares Expanded Tech-Software Sector ETF [8]. Semiconductor Industry Overview - The VanEck Semiconductor ETF has broken through the $300 resistance level, which is now expected to act as a support level, with a target of reaching $365 by early 2026 [2]. - The ETF has shown remarkable consistency, avoiding any losing streak longer than three weeks over the past 18 months [2]. Company-Specific Insights - **Nvidia**: - Nvidia has gained 32% year to date and is currently trading at $182.75. The stock is consolidating after a significant surge and remains just 1% below its all-time high [4][5][8]. - A bullish double-bottom-with-handle pattern is forming, with a potential breakout trigger at $184.65, and the stock could reach around $200 by mid-fourth quarter [4]. - **Broadcom**: - Broadcom is up 44% year to date, trading at $334.67. The stock has experienced a recent pullback but is positioned for a potential year-end rally, with a target of $400 [6][7][8]. - The stock is nearing its 50-day simple moving average, which could serve as a constructive entry point [6]. - **Applied Materials**: - Applied Materials has increased by 25% year to date, currently trading at $208.60. The stock has shown strong recovery after a correction and is about 5% below its 52-week high [9][10]. - A bullish inverse head-and-shoulders formation is forming, with a target of $275 in the first quarter, as long as the stock holds above $185 [9].