VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) offers concentrated exposure to the US semiconductor sector, directly targeting the onshoring and AI-driven growth thesis. SMH stands out for its high liquidity, US focus (81% holdings), and exclusive large-cap composition, supporting investor confidence amid sector volatility. Despite a 50% YTD share price surge and a 29x PE, SMH remains attractive given robust growth prospects and strong industry tailwinds.
It's been a good year for growth investors. While volatility has taken an upward turn in the past week, with good earnings seemingly no longer able to cause sustained upside moves, there's reason to be concerned that valuations have crept too high.
VanEck Semiconductor ETF remains a buy, outperforming the S&P 500 and peers with strong YTD returns and high liquidity. SMH's heavy weighting in American semiconductor companies positions it to benefit from U.S. policy tailwinds like the CHIPS Act and tariffs. Risks include potential delays in U.S. semiconductor factory buildouts and geopolitical threats to Taiwan, which could disrupt chip supply chains.
Launched on December 20, 2011, the VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) is a passively managed exchange traded fund designed to provide a broad exposure to the Technology - Semiconductors segment of the equity market.
AI hyperscaler capex is set to nearly triple to $1.4T by 2027, fueling a multi-year demand wave for semiconductors and infrastructure. Top AI ETFs - SMH, XSD, SOXX, WTAI and SMHX - offer diversified or targeted exposure to leading beneficiaries of the AI infrastructure buildout. All five highlighted ETFs earn Buy Quant ratings, with strong momentum, low expenses, and high liquidity, making them attractive for both short- and long-term investors.
I'm bullish on American-made semiconductors due to rising geopolitical risks and government incentives driving a manufacturing renaissance in the U.S. VanEck Semiconductor ETF offers the best exposure to leading U.S. and foreign semiconductor companies investing heavily in domestic production. CHIPS Act incentives and tariffs are accelerating the reshoring of semiconductor manufacturing, acting as carrot and stick, respectively, and positioning the U.S. for long-term industry leadership.
SMH hit a fresh 52-week high, surging nearly 75% from its low as AI-fueled chip demand powers semiconductor stocks.
AI-driven capex growth is powering semiconductor stocks, with SMH ETF benefiting from strong sector tailwinds and smart portfolio adjustments. VanEck's SMH ETF is increasing exposure to AI accelerator companies (Nvidia, AMD, Broadcom) and semiconductor equipment makers, positioning for the next growth cycle. Despite concentration risks, SMH's unique portfolio and timely rebalancing have enabled it to consistently outperform peers like SOXX and the broader market.
VanEck Semiconductor ETF is a Buy due to strong AI-driven momentum, robust earnings, and consistent outperformance versus broader tech indices like QQQ. The ETF's market-cap weighting leads to heavy concentration in Nvidia and other dominant players, which is justified by their AI ecosystem leadership. While some global semiconductor leaders are missing, SMH's portfolio still remains well-positioned for AI tailwinds and continued sector growth.
SMH's top holdings—NVDA, TSM, and AVGO—face production, geopolitical, and legal headwinds, making near-term growth prospects uncertain. Valuation metrics show significant P/S multiple expansion across top holdings, signaling the fund is overvalued after a rapid run-up. High concentration risk exists, with the top 3 stocks comprising over 40% of SMH, amplifying potential downside if leaders falter.
Looking for broad exposure to the Technology - Semiconductors segment of the equity market? You should consider the VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH), a passively managed exchange traded fund launched on 12/20/2011.
SMH has outperformed the S&P 500, driven by AI infrastructure optimism and leadership from Nvidia, Broadcom, and TSMC. Geopolitical and trade uncertainties, especially around US-China relations and potential tariffs, remain significant risks for semiconductor stocks. AI infrastructure growth could broaden globally, but regulatory, supply chain, and CapEx digestion risks may temper near-term upside.