SOXX Stock: iShares Semiconductor ETF Profile & Analysis (2026)
The definitive benchmark for the semiconductor industry, offering targeted exposure to the designers and manufacturers powering the global AI revolution. — Updated May 2026 with current AUM, expense ratio, holdings, and performance data.
SOXX, the iShares Semiconductor ETF, serves as a cornerstone for investors looking to capitalize on the silicon-driven future. By tracking the NYSE Semiconductor Index, this fund provides concentrated access to the 30 largest U.S.-listed companies involved in the design, distribution, and manufacturing of chips. Whether you are analyzing the complete list of semiconductor companies or looking for specific semiconductor stocks in the S&P 500 index, SOXX captures the primary movers of this critical sector.
As the demand for processing power continues to scale across data centers, servers, and storage, SOXX has become a high-liquidity vehicle for institutional and retail traders alike. Unlike the broad tech exposure found in TQQQ stock, which provides 3x leverage on the Nasdaq 100, SOXX focuses purely on the hardware layer. For those seeking even higher risk-reward profiles in this niche, exploring small cap semiconductor stocks can complement a core position in a large-cap fund like SOXX.
Key Takeaways — SOXX ETF
SOXX offers a targeted approach, focusing exclusively on companies that design and manufacture the chips powering AI, EVs, and cloud computing.
The fund uses a weighting methodology that ensures heavy hitters like Nvidia and AMD are prominent without completely overshadowing the other 28 holdings.
With over $38 billion in AUM and massive daily trading volume, SOXX is one of the most liquid thematic ETFs in the world, ensuring tight spreads.
While the companies are global, the ETF focuses on U.S.-listed equities, which may exclude some foreign giants like TSMC (found in competitors like SMH).
SOXX — Live Price Chart
Real-time chart from TradingView.
SOXX ETF Vitals & Key Statistics
Core data as of May 2026.
| Data Point | Value | Data Point | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Name | iShares Semiconductor ETF | Ticker | SOXX |
| Issuer | BlackRock (iShares) | Asset Class | U.S. Equity |
| Index Tracked | NYSE Semiconductor Index | Structure | ETF |
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | AUM | $38.4B |
| Inception Date | July 10, 2001 | Exchange | NASDAQ |
| No. of Holdings | 30 | Dividend Yield | 0.72% |
| 52-Week High | $645.18 | 52-Week Low | $482.11 |
| Avg Daily Volume | 1.2M shares | YTD Return | 8.00% |
| 1-Year Return | 8.00% | 5-Year Return | 8.00% |
| Category | Technology / Semiconductors | Dividend Frequency | Quarterly |
SOXX Top 10 Holdings (May 2026)
Largest positions by weight. Click columns to sort.
| Rank | Ticker | Company Name | Sector | Weight % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AMD | Advanced Micro Devices | Technology | 9.22% |
| 2 | MU | Micron Technology | Technology | 9.20% |
| 3 | MRVL | Marvell Technology | Technology | 8.42% |
| 4 | AVGO | Broadcom Inc. | Technology | 6.84% |
| 5 | NVDA | Nvidia Corp. | Technology | 6.60% |
| 6 | INTC | Intel Corp. | Technology | 5.64% |
| 7 | AMAT | Applied Materials | Technology | 5.00% |
| 8 | LRCX | Lam Research | Technology | 4.00% |
| 9 | QCOM | Qualcomm | Technology | 4.00% |
| 10 | KLAC | KLA Corporation | Technology | 4.00% |
SOXX — Pros & Cons
✓ High Liquidity
Perfect for active traders; the ETF’s popularity ensures you can enter and exit large positions with minimal slippage.
✗ Geographic Concentration
By focusing on U.S.-listed stocks, it misses out on direct exposure to the world’s largest foundry, TSMC.
✓ Pure AI Infrastructure
As software companies fight over AI dominance, SOXX owns the “shovels” — the hardware that every AI model requires.
✗ High Volatility
The semiconductor industry is notoriously cyclical; when demand slows, these stocks can drop significantly faster than the S&P 500.
✓ Quality Benchmarking
Since it only holds 30 of the top names, the fund is effectively “trimmed” of lower-quality or less influential firms.
✗ Expense Ratio
At 0.35%, it is more expensive than some index-tracking competitors like SOXQ, which track nearly identical portfolios.
Who Should Consider SOXX?
Aggressive growth investors and active traders who want direct, high-liquidity exposure to the most influential hardware companies in tech.
Conservative income seekers or value-first investors, as the high P/E ratios and boom-bust chip cycles don’t fit capital preservation strategies.
You believe the “AI supercycle” has years to run and you want to overweight the hardware layer of the Nasdaq 100.
Taxable brokerage accounts for tactical plays or long-term Roth IRAs to capture aggressive tax-free growth.
SOXX vs Similar ETFs
Key metrics comparison.
| ETF | Full Name | Expense Ratio | AUM | Holdings | Div Yield | YTD | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOXX ★ | iShares Semiconductor ETF | 0.35% | $38.4B | 30 | 0.72% | 8.00% | Liquidity and Size |
| SMH | VanEck Semiconductor ETF | 0.35% | $25B+ | 25 | 0.50% | Varies | Exposure to TSMC |
| SOXQ | Invesco PHLX Semiconductor ETF | 0.19% | $4B+ | 30 | 0.80% | Varies | Lowest Cost Indexing |
| XSD | SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF | 0.35% | $1.5B+ | ~40 | 0.45% | Varies | Equal-Weighted Growth |
SOXX Technical Analysis
Real-time buy/sell signals.
SOXX — Risks & Considerations
Cyclicality and Over-Supply
The chip industry often goes through periods of massive building followed by gluts. A surplus of chips can decimate profit margins across the sector.
High P/E Multiples
Many stocks in SOXX trade at extreme valuations based on future AI expectations. If growth targets are even slightly missed, these stocks can re-rate lower quickly.
Geopolitical Tensions
Semiconductors are at the heart of trade wars. Any new restrictions on chip exports to major markets like China can immediately impact SOXX price.
Concentration Hazard
With only 30 holdings, a catastrophic failure or massive earnings miss from just one top player like Nvidia or AMD can pull down the entire ETF.