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Struggling to Pick Artificial Intelligence (AI) Stocks? You're Not Alone -- Try This ETF Instead
The Motley Fool· 2026-02-28 10:06
Core Insights - Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly evolving, presenting both opportunities and volatility for investors [1] - Micron Technology's stock has increased by 348% in the past year due to high demand for data center memory chips, while other AI stocks have seen declines [1] - The iShares Future AI and Tech ETF offers a diversified investment option in the AI sector, holding 49 leading stocks [2][4] Investment Opportunities - The iShares Future AI and Tech ETF aims to provide exposure to the entire AI value chain, including chip suppliers, AI software developers, and service providers [4] - Key stocks in the ETF include Micron Technology (7.61% weighting), Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (5.51%), Nvidia (4.63%), and others [5] - Micron is the largest position in the ETF, supplying high-bandwidth memory essential for AI workloads [5] Performance Metrics - The iShares ETF has delivered a 28.5% return over the last 12 months, outperforming the S&P 500, which had a lower return during the same period [10] - The ETF has an expense ratio of 0.47%, resulting in an annual fee of $47 for a $10,000 investment [9] Market Dynamics - Despite strong performance from Micron, other leading AI stocks like Oracle, Microsoft, and Advanced Micro Devices have seen significant declines, with drops of 54%, 26%, and 24% respectively [6] - Nvidia remains a leader in AI semiconductor technology, but competition from AMD is increasing [7] - Microsoft has integrated AI into its products through its Copilot assistant, while Palantir Technologies offers AI-driven software platforms for data analysis [8] ETF Structure and Future Outlook - The iShares ETF was restructured in August 2024 to focus exclusively on AI, which may affect its future performance reliability [11] - The ETF is expected to perform well as long as the AI industry continues to progress, but investors should maintain a diversified portfolio to mitigate risks [12]