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AI Wave Drives Semiconductor ETF to 113% Gain
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Hardware

AI Wave Drives Semiconductor ETF to 113% Gain

WireByte Staff · July 11, 2026

The VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) has outpaced Nvidia stock with a 113% return over the past 12 months, driven by the rapid buildout of AI infrastructure. The demand for semiconductors has accelerated, benefiting a broad range of companies, including foundries, memory manufacturers, and equipment vendors.

Key points

  • The VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) delivered a 113.17% return over the trailing 12 months through July 10, 2026, outpacing Nvidia stock (28.72% gain).
  • SMH gained 69.67% year-to-date through July 10, 2026, while Nvidia climbed 13.25% over the same stretch.
  • Nvidia's Q1 FY2027 revenue reached $81.61 billion, up 85.2% year over year, with Data Center Networking posting growth of 199%.
  • Jensen Huang, Nvidia's CEO, stated that the buildout of AI factories is accelerating at 'extraordinary speed', driving demand for semiconductors and related products.
  • The demand for semiconductors is benefiting a broad range of companies, including foundries, memory manufacturers, and equipment vendors.

The rapid buildout of AI infrastructure is driving a surge in demand for semiconductors, benefiting a broad range of companies. The VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) has been at the forefront of this trend, delivering a 113.17% return over the trailing 12 months through July 10, 2026. This outpaces Nvidia stock, which has gained 28.72% over the same period.

Nvidia's Q1 FY2027 revenue reached $81.61 billion, up 85.2% year over year, with Data Center Networking posting growth of 199%. This underscores the scale of the demand for semiconductors and related products. Jensen Huang, Nvidia's CEO, stated that the buildout of AI factories is accelerating at 'extraordinary speed', driving demand for semiconductors and related products.

The demand for semiconductors is benefiting a broad range of companies, including foundries, memory manufacturers, and equipment vendors. This trend is expected to continue, driven by the increasing adoption of AI technologies across various industries.

Sources

WireByte Staff — Editorial Team

The WireByte editorial team synthesises technology news from multiple primary sources, verifies the facts, and links every source. Articles are produced with AI assistance and reviewed under our editorial policy.