3 Best-Performing Semiconductor ETFs Since Last GTC And Why This Time Is Different

Nvidia NVDA GTC kicks off today, Mar. 18, and lays the groundwork for another installment of AI and semiconductor-fueled fervor.

If past is prologue, this could translate to new momentum for some ETFs.

The following funds have been on a winning streak since the previous GTC, or GPU Technology Conference, took place last March.

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ProShares UltraShort Semiconductors SSG — AUM up 28.3% (according to YCharts), price up 13.33%

Direxion Daily NVDA Bear 1X Shares NVDD — AUM up 119.9%, price up 8.69%

Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bear 3x Shares SOXS — AUM down 51%, but price up 8.1%

The increased AUM indicates that investors have been actively hedging or trading against semiconductor volatility using them. With the buzz on GTC, we may see such trends replicate once all the dust settles after the event.

Also Read: China’s AI Surge Fuels ETF Gains: Baidu, Alibaba Lead The Way

Why This Time Could Be Different—Or Not

This year’s GTC is a big deal not only for Nvidia but also other tech giants like Broadcom AVGO, Taiwan Semiconductor TSM, and heavy hitters like Vistra VST. Even quantum computing equities like D-Wave Quantum QBTS may experience some aftershocks.

One fascinating aspect is the amount of sessions Nvidia is conducting in Chinese, with some heavy-hitters like Baidu BIDU, Alibaba BABA Cloud, and ByteDance, according to TechCrunch. Missing from the lineup, however, is DeepSeek, the Chinese AI company that shook Nvidia’s stock this spring.

DeepSeek’s meteoric growth resulted in government attention, with reports even suggesting some employees were put under travel bans. The lack of DeepSeek at GTC could reinforce the geopolitical overhang over the AI sector—another influence that could move ETFs in the weeks ahead.

What To Watch Post-GTC

Last GTC revealed Nvidia’s Blackwell GPUs, and another significant one is likely to come this time. That may portend a new rally in semiconductor ETFs—but also increased volatility.

In addition, with the large Chinese companies showcasing at GTC, investor sentiment regarding U.S.-China AI rivalry may affect ETF performance.

Traders may again mob funds such as NVDD, SSG, and SOXS to bet on both bullish and bearish trends in semiconductors if the last twelve months are anything to go by.

Nvidia’s GTC has a history of shaping AI and semiconductor markets. Whether it’s another leg higher or a wave of profit-taking, ETFs that rode last year’s wave of success could again be the vehicle of choice for traders as they navigate the post-GTC world.

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