Semiconductor ETFs led ETF creations in the latest session, with the iShares Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:SOXX) attracting $1.38 billion in net inflows, narrowly edging out the Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:QQQ) at $1.37 billion. The Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bull 3X Shares (NYSE:SOXL) added another $749.7 million, taking combined semiconductor ETF inflows above $2.1 billion, according to data compiled by Etf.com.
Beyond chips, investors also favored growth-focused funds, with Invesco NASDAQ 100 ETF (NASDAQ:QQQM) attracting $398.3 million and iShares Russell 1000 Growth (NYSE:IWF) taking in $351.4 million. International exposure remained in demand as the iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (NYSE:EWY) gathered nearly $493 million, reflecting continued interest in AI supply-chain beneficiaries.
On the redemption side, the iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (NYSE:IVV) saw the largest outflow at $565.8 million, followed by SPDR Gold Shares (NYSE:GLD) at $366.4 million. Small-cap funds also faced pressure, with Principal U.S. Small-Cap ETF (NASDAQ:PSC) losing $322.7 million, equivalent to a steep 14.4% of assets under management.
QUICK CONTEXT: AI Trade Keeps Driving Flows
Semiconductor ETFs have been among the strongest asset gatherers in 2026 as investors continue to position for spending tied to artificial intelligence, memory chips and advanced computing infrastructure. Recent inflows into funds such as SOXX and leveraged products like SOXL reflect persistent demand for chipmakers despite elevated valuations and occasional bouts of sector volatility.
At the same time, the latest flow data suggest investors are rotating rather than exiting equities altogether. Money moved into Nasdaq-100, semiconductor and growth-oriented ETFs even as broad-market exposure through IVV saw redemptions. The sizable inflow into South Korea-focused EWY also aligns with investor interest in companies that play key roles in the global semiconductor supply chain, including memory-chip manufacturers. Meanwhile, outflows from GLD indicate some investors may be reducing defensive allocations as risk appetite remains centered on technology and AI-related themes.
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