Betting chip stocks will revisit bull market highs is the trade of the fourth quarter, says Evercore ISI

Sep 25, 2024 at 8:03 PM

Semiconductor Stocks Poised for a Surge: Unlocking the Potential of the Tech Sector's Powerhouse

As the year draws to a close, the semiconductor industry is poised to take center stage, with experts predicting a potential surge in chip stocks that could propel the sector to new heights. According to Evercore ISI, the VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) and the iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) are primed for a significant upside, offering investors an opportunity to capitalize on the tech sector's powerhouse.

Unlocking the Potential: Semiconductor Stocks Set to Soar in Q4

Semiconductor Stocks: The Comeback Kid

The semiconductor industry has long been a driving force in the tech sector, and it appears that the tide is turning once again. After a tumultuous start to the year, chip stocks are now poised to reclaim their bull market highs and potentially surpass them, according to Evercore ISI's analysis. The firm's head of technical analysis, Rich Ross, believes that the VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) could see an additional 20% upside into the end of the year, building on the impressive 40% surge it has already experienced in 2023.Similarly, the iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) has climbed more than 18% this year, keeping pace with the broader S&P 500 index. However, the ETF remains over 14% off its July high, presenting a potential buying opportunity for investors. The technical setup for the semiconductor sector is particularly encouraging, with the stocks having "double bottomed" above key support levels, a pattern that suggests new upside potential.

Semiconductor Stocks: The Sector to Watch in Q4

According to Ross, the semiconductor sector is poised to outperform other sectors in the fourth quarter, as commodities and cyclicals more broadly surge in the absence of inflation and the presence of potential rate cuts. This bullish outlook is further supported by the fact that semiconductor stocks are still around 20% off their all-time highs, leaving ample room for growth.Investors looking to capitalize on this potential upswing may want to consider buying into companies like Broadcom, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, Micron Technology, and Nvidia, which Ross has identified as potential buying opportunities. These industry leaders are well-positioned to benefit from the anticipated surge in semiconductor demand and could offer attractive returns for investors willing to ride the wave.

The Semiconductor Sector: A Resilient and Adaptable Industry

The semiconductor industry has long been a cornerstone of the tech sector, powering the devices and technologies that have transformed our world. Despite the challenges and volatility that have plagued the industry in recent years, the sector has demonstrated its resilience and adaptability, continuously innovating and evolving to meet the ever-changing demands of the market.As the world becomes increasingly reliant on advanced technologies, the importance of the semiconductor industry cannot be overstated. From powering the latest smartphones and laptops to enabling the growth of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, and the Internet of Things, semiconductors are the backbone of the digital revolution.

The Semiconductor Sector: A Catalyst for Innovation and Growth

The semiconductor industry's ability to drive innovation and spur growth across a wide range of industries has made it a crucial component of the global economy. As the world grapples with the challenges of the post-pandemic landscape, the semiconductor sector is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future.Advancements in chip design, manufacturing, and processing power have the potential to unlock new frontiers in fields such as healthcare, renewable energy, and transportation. By enabling the development of more efficient, powerful, and versatile technologies, the semiconductor industry is paving the way for a more sustainable and technologically advanced future.As the fourth quarter of 2023 approaches, the semiconductor sector's potential to surge and outperform other industries presents a compelling opportunity for investors. With the technical setup and market conditions aligning in their favor, semiconductor stocks could very well be the key trade of the final stretch of the year, offering investors a chance to capitalize on the industry's resilience and adaptability.