Factors That May Drive Semiconductor ETFs

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Semiconductors have traded in a range recently, and exchange traded funds (ETFs) tracking the sector have kept a low profile.

The impact of Japan’s quake may constrain the semiconductor sector, as the country is rooted in technology and plays a major role in this industry, reports Aude Lagorce for MarketWatch.

A reversal of fortune could be seen, however. Roberta Cowan for Reuters reports that the European chipmakers may see a surge , as demand for smartchips is expected to rise.

Other catalysts for the sector include Texas Instruments’ $65 billion bid for National Semiconductor. This fired up semiconductor ETFs recently. [Semiconductor ETFs Rise On M&A News.]

Some semiconductor ETFs:

• Semiconductor HOLDRS (AMEX: SMH)
• PowerShares Dynamic Semiconductors Portfolio (NYSEArca: PSI)
• SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (NYSEArca: XSD)

Semiconductor HOLDRS

Tisha Guerrero contributed to this article.