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CHPS vs SOXX
Which ETF would AI Choose? Xtrackers Semiconductor Select Equity ETF (CHPS) vs. iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX)
Key Takeaways
- Both funds are passive, index-based exchange-traded funds (ETFs) concentrated in the semiconductor industry, yet they track different indexes with meaningfully different exposure profiles.
- SOXX tracks the NYSE Semiconductor Index, holding roughly 30 U.S.-listed semiconductor names; CHPS tracks a global, ESG-screened semiconductor index with about 60 holdings and substantial international exposure.
- CHPS is meaningfully cheaper at a 0.15% expense ratio versus 0.35% for SOXX, but SOXX is far larger and more liquid, with billions in assets under management (AUM) and heavy daily trading volume.
- CHPS includes non-U.S. leaders such as ASML Holding, SK Hynix, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, while SOXX remains concentrated in U.S.-listed companies.
- Both funds are non-diversified and high-beta, making them considerably more volatile than broad-market funds, with returns driven largely by artificial intelligence (AI)-related demand for chips.
Introduction
Semiconductors sit at the center of the current AI investment cycle, and investors seeking targeted exposure to the industry frequently compare the Xtrackers Semiconductor Select Equity ETF and the iShares Semiconductor ETF. Although both are dedicated semiconductor funds, they do not compete as identical products. CHPS offers a globally diversified, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) screened basket with a lower fee, while SOXX provides a concentrated, highly liquid vehicle tied to U.S.-listed chipmakers. Understanding the structural differences between these two ETFs is essential for investors weighing sector exposure, cost, and relative positioning in today's market environment.
Xtrackers Semiconductor Select Equity ETF (CHPS) Overview
CHPS is a passively managed ETF that seeks to track the performance of a global semiconductor index applying ESG screens to its eligible universe. The fund holds roughly 60 names and is classified as non-diversified, meaning it can concentrate heavily in its largest positions. Its top holdings recently included equipment and component makers such as Applied Materials (AMAT), Lam Research (LRCX), KLA (KLAC), Intel (INTC), Analog Devices (ADI), Micron Technology (MU), and Texas Instruments (TXN), alongside global names such as ASML Holding (ASML), SK Hynix, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM). The fund carries a 0.15% expense ratio, its most distinctive structural advantage. However, it launched in mid-2023, and its comparatively modest AUM and lighter trading volume translate into wider bid-ask spreads and a lower liquidity profile than larger peers.
iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) Overview
SOXX is one of the oldest and largest semiconductor ETFs, launched in 2001 and managed by BlackRock's iShares. It passively tracks the NYSE Semiconductor Index, a modified market-capitalization-weighted benchmark of roughly 30 U.S.-listed semiconductor companies with caps designed to limit single-stock concentration. Its largest positions recently included Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), NVIDIA (NVDA), Intel (INTC), Micron Technology (MU), Broadcom (AVGO), Texas Instruments (TXN), Analog Devices (ADI), Marvell Technology (MRVL), Qualcomm (QCOM), and KLA (KLAC). The fund charges a 0.35% expense ratio. Its defining structural feature is scale and tradability: tens of billions in AUM and substantial daily volume provide tight spreads and deep liquidity, making SOXX a favored instrument among institutional and active traders alike.
Industry and Thematic Backdrop
Both ETFs operate within a semiconductor industry reshaped by AI infrastructure spending, cloud data-center expansion, and a broadening recovery in memory and personal-computing demand. Capital expenditure on graphics processing units and custom accelerators has benefited logic and memory suppliers, while tight supply for advanced packaging and lithography equipment has supported equipment makers. Regulatory developments, including export controls on advanced chips, and cyclicality in the memory market remain key sector risks. In this environment, both funds share similar directional catalysts, but their structural differences matter: SOXX's concentration in U.S.-listed AI leaders exposes it heavily to domestic mega-cap momentum, while CHPS adds international memory producers and equipment suppliers that can diversify, and at times temper, single-market concentration.
Performance and Positioning Comparison
Over recent market cycles, both funds have delivered strong absolute returns during AI-driven rallies, reflecting the sector's leadership. SOXX has historically exhibited high beta relative to the broader equity market and has benefited from the outsized weight of names such as NVDA, AMD, and AVGO during earnings-driven momentum phases. CHPS, with its global tilt toward memory and equipment companies such as SK Hynix, ASML, and Applied Materials, has tended to track a broader set of cyclical drivers, including memory pricing and fab-equipment spending. Both funds carry meaningfully higher volatility than diversified portfolios, and their relative positioning shifts with rotation between AI-enabler names and the wider semiconductor value chain.
AI Screener
Tickeron's AI Screener is an AI-powered stock and ETF discovery tool that helps traders and investors filter the market based on technical patterns, fundamentals, trends, volatility, and AI-driven signals. Users can scan thousands of stocks and ETFs using customizable filters such as industry, market capitalization, technical indicators, price patterns, and performance metrics. The screener is designed to surface trade ideas, trending securities, breakout candidates, and market opportunities more efficiently than manual screening. For investors comparing semiconductor funds like CHPS and SOXX, the AI Screener can help identify momentum, confirm trend consistency, and refine relative positioning. Explore the AI Screener to evaluate current opportunities.
Tickeron AI Verdict
On balance, Tickeron's AI would likely favor SOXX for its superior liquidity, longer operating history, and concentrated exposure to the AI-semiconductor leaders that have anchored sector momentum, factors that support cleaner trend signals and efficient execution. That said, CHPS holds a structural edge in cost efficiency and geographic diversification, and its lower 0.15% fee makes it a compelling consideration for long-term, cost-conscious investors seeking global semiconductor exposure. The appropriate choice ultimately depends on an investor's preference for tradability and U.S. mega-cap concentration versus lower cost and broader international reach.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is CHPS is a Hold and SOXX is a Hold.
CHPS's Indicator enters downward trend
The Aroon Indicator for CHPS entered a downward trend on November 10, 2026. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor identified a pattern where the AroonDown red line was above 70 while the AroonUp green line was below 30 for three straight days. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. A.I.dvisor looked at 52 similar instances where the Aroon Indicator formed such a pattern. In 45 of the 52 cases the stock moved lower. This puts the odds of a downward move at 87%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 30, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on CHPS as a result. In 36 of 48 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 75%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for CHPS turned negative on October 09, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 32 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 27 of the 32 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 84%.
CHPS moved below its 50-day moving average on October 14, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for CHPS crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on October 20, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 8 of 10 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 80%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where CHPS declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 76%.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where CHPS's RSI Oscillator exited the oversold zone, 15 of 16 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 90%.
The Stochastic Oscillator shows that the ticker has stayed in the oversold zone for 5 days. The price of this ticker is presumed to bounce back soon, since the longer the ticker stays in the oversold zone, the more promptly an upward trend is expected.
Following a +10.90% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where CHPS advanced for three days, in 181 of 205 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 88%.
CHPS may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
SOXX's Indicator enters downward trend
The Aroon Indicator for SOXX entered a downward trend on November 11, 2026. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor identified a pattern where the AroonDown red line was above 70 while the AroonUp green line was below 30 for three straight days. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. A.I.dvisor looked at 136 similar instances where the Aroon Indicator formed such a pattern. In 120 of the 136 cases the stock moved lower. This puts the odds of a downward move at 88%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved below the 0 level on October 29, 2026. You may want to consider selling the stock, shorting the stock, or exploring put options on SOXX as a result. In 73 of 86 cases where the Momentum Indicator fell below 0, the stock fell further within the subsequent month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 85%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence Histogram (MACD) for SOXX turned negative on October 09, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to turn lower in the coming weeks. Traders may want to sell the stock or buy put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 51 similar instances when the indicator turned negative. In 43 of the 51 cases the stock turned lower in the days that followed. This puts the odds of success at 84%.
SOXX moved below its 50-day moving average on October 14, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 10-day moving average for SOXX crossed bearishly below the 50-day moving average on October 20, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted lower and could be considered a sell signal. In 12 of 14 past instances when the 10-day crossed below the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 86%.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where SOXX declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 85%.
Bullish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator points to a transition from a downward trend to an upward trend -- in cases where SOXX's RSI Indicator exited the oversold zone, 20 of 21 resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 90%.
The Stochastic Oscillator suggests the stock price trend may be in a reversal from a downward trend to an upward trend. 48 of 52 cases where SOXX's Stochastic Oscillator exited the oversold zone resulted in an increase in price. Tickeron's analysis proposes that the odds of a continued upward trend are 90%.
Following a +11.27% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where SOXX advanced for three days, in 311 of 350 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 89%.
SOXX may jump back above the lower band and head toward the middle band. Traders may consider buying the stock or exploring call options.
| CHPS | SOXX | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 90% | 1 day ago 90% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 90% | 1 day ago 90% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 75% | 1 day ago 85% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 84% | 2 days ago 84% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 80% | 1 day ago 90% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 83% | 1 day ago 88% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 88% | 3 days ago 89% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 7 days ago 76% | 7 days ago 85% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 90% | 1 day ago 90% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 2 days ago 87% | 1 day ago 88% |
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CHPS and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, CHPS has been closely correlated with LRCX. These tickers have moved in lockstep 90% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if CHPS jumps, then LRCX could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To CHPS | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHPS | 100% | -0.59% | ||
| LRCX - CHPS | 90% Closely correlated | +0.49% | ||
| AMAT - CHPS | 88% Closely correlated | +0.53% | ||
| KLAC - CHPS | 85% Closely correlated | +1.06% | ||
| ASML - CHPS | 85% Closely correlated | -0.36% | ||
| MKSI - CHPS | 84% Closely correlated | +0.89% | ||
More | ||||
| 1 Day | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ETFs / NAME | Price $ | Chg $ | Chg % |
| NXPG | 9.10 | 0.34 | +3.87% |
| Leverage Shares 2X Long NXPI Daily ETF (NXPG) | |||
| SAGP | 37.02 | -0.13 | -0.35% |
| Strategas Global Policy Opportunities ETF (SAGP) | |||
| PJFM | 65.28 | -0.36 | -0.55% |
| PGIM Jennison Focused Mid-Cap ETF (PJFM) | |||
| IWC | 176.70 | -1.49 | -0.84% |
| iShares Micro-Cap ETF (IWC) | |||
| PTH | 59.35 | -0.57 | -0.95% |
| Invesco Dorsey Wright Healthcare Momentum ETF (PTH) | |||