Semiconductors have traded in a range recently, and exchange traded funds tracking the sector have kept a low profile.
The impact of Japan’s quake may constrain the semiconductor sector, as the country is rooted in technology and plays a major role in this industry, reports Aude Lagorce for MarketWatch.
A reversal of fortune could be seen, however. Roberta Cowan for Reuters reports that the European chipmakers may see a surge, as demand for smartchips is expected to rise.
Other catalysts for the sector include Texas Instruments’ (TXN) $65 billion bid for National Semiconductor (NSM). This fired up semiconductor ETFs recently.
Some semiconductor ETFs:
- Semiconductor HOLDRS (AMEX: SMH)
- PowerShares Dynamic Semiconductors Portfolio (NYSEArca: PSI)
- SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (NYSEArca: XSD)
Semiconductor HOLDRS
(Click chart to enlarge)
Tisha Guerrero contributed to this article.
