Look to Semiconductor ETFs Once U.S., China Reach a Deal | ETF Trends

As the U.S. and China continue talks, investors may look to the pommeled semiconductor-sector ETFs if the negotiations pull through.

BlackRock Chairman and CEO Larry Fink told CNBC on Wednesday there would be “a surge in investment sentiment” if both sides call off the trade war. A concrete resolution to trade tariffs between the world’s two biggest economies could trigger a relief rally in the stock market that has been pulled lower on the uncertainty surrounding Washington’s trade policy.

The U.S. and China previously reached a 90-day cease fire in the trade war last month to halt new levies as they come back to the negotiating table. However, there has been mixed news on the peace talks, with Sen. Chuck Grassley saying US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer saw no progress on key issues, while President Trump tweeted about “big progress” with China.

“Any deal would likely see a relief rally as we believe markets have meaningfully priced in risks of trade tensions escalating,” Ben Laidler, HSBC’s global equity strategist in a note, adding that tariff-sensitive stocks have underperformed significantly and their valuations are getting cheap.