Semiconductor Sector Enters Bear Market as Rotation Accelerates

섹터 동향 | Sat Jul 18 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time) | 5 sources

The PHLX Semiconductor Index plunged over 20% into bear market territory as capital rotated into energy, financial, and transportation stocks.

Analysis

[PHLX Semiconductor Index] officially entered bear market territory ^[2][3]

• Down 20.2% from June 22 all-time high
• Plunged 18.2% in July alone
• Correction following a doubling in the first half

[S&P 500 and Nasdaq] declined together amid tech sell-off ^[4]

• Nasdaq fell 1.40% to close at 25
• 520
• S&P 500 dropped 1.01% to close at 7
• 457
• Energy was the only sector to advance

[Average Stock] showed market rotation broadening beyond semiconductors ^[1]

• Oil and gas
• retail
• banks
• and transportation stocks rose
• Broad indices held up despite semiconductor plunge
• Interpreted as a healthy market signal

[Major Tech Stocks] produced 19 names plunging over 25% in July ^[2][4]

• Core semiconductor names heavily represented
• Some still hold triple-digit YTD gains in 2026
• PHLX index down over 13% in the past month

[Travelers Companies and Insurance Stocks] rallied on strong earnings ^[4]

• Travelers surged 9% on Q2 earnings surprise
• Progressive and Allstate rose alongside
• Partially offset the tech sell-off

[Gold and Silver ETFs] extended safe-haven rally ^[4][5]

• Gold rose 0.57% to $4
• 010.55
• Silver has nearly tripled over the past two years
• SIVR 1-year return 46.70% vs GLD's 18.40%

Sources

• [1] The average stock is having a moment as semiconductors struggle. It’s a sign of a healthy market. - MarketWatch Top Stories
• [2] 19 (mostly) tech stocks that have fallen at least 25% in July - MarketWatch Top Stories
• [3] Chip stocks have entered a bear market. A BofA analyst says not to panic. - MarketWatch Top Stories
• [4] Stock Market Today, July 17: Stocks Slide as Semiconductor Rout Deepens - The Motley Fool
• [5] ETFs Offer an Easier Way to Hold Physical Metal. Is Buying Gold or Silver the Better Bet in 2026? - The Motley Fool