Nvidia becomes the world’s most valuable company
Surpassing Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT), the chipmaker became the world’s largest company by market capitalisation on Tuesday, symbolising the generative artificial intelligence fever that is shaking the markets.
The valuation of the Santa Clara group reached up to 3.335 trillion dollars. Nvidia’s stock gained 3.5% on Tuesday and is now up almost 174% year-to-date.
Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) controls roughly 80% of the market for AI chips used in data centres, a sector that has surged as companies like OpenAI, Microsoft, Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL), Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN), Meta (NASDAQ:META), and others scramble to acquire the processors essential for building AI models and managing increasingly large workloads.
ETFs with Large Nvidia Exposure
Nvidia’s strong market position and impressive run have significantly impacted various tech-focused and semiconductor ETFs, boosting their performance.
Take the VanEck Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:SMH), for example. As of June 17, 2024, Nvidia was its top holding, making up 24.6% of the portfolio. This strong position has contributed to SMH’s impressive 58% year-to-date return.
In the broader U.S. tech space, the iShares U.S. Technology ETF (NYSE:IYW) had 16.74% of its assets in Nvidia, as of June 18, 2024, second only to Microsoft (17.06%). This allocation has helped IYW achieve a solid 28% return year-to-date.
Other notable tech funds with significant exposure to Nvidia include the Vanguard Information Technology Index Fund ETF Shares (NYSE:VGT) with 14% (as of May 31, 2024), and the The Technology Select Sector SPDR® Fund (NYSE:XLK) with 6% (as of June 17, 2024).
Even broader market ETFs with substantial tech exposure, like the Invesco Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:QQQ) and the SPDR® S&P 500 (NYSE:SPY), hold 8.4% and 7% in Nvidia, respectively. These positions have also benefited from Nvidia’s stellar performance.
Investing in Nvidia ETF vs. Nvidia Stock?
While picking individual stocks can be rewarding, opting for ETFs that include NVDA might be a smarter choice. ETFs provide diversified exposure by holding a basket of stocks, including NVDA, which helps mitigate risk.
If NVDA underperforms, the ETF’s other holdings can cushion the impact. Given Nvidia’s high prices and hefty valuations, it’s likely wiser to choose the ETF route to spread the risk and achieve a more balanced investment portfolio.
Amplified or Income-Generating Nvidia-Focused Exposure Through ETFs
Investors seeking amplified exposure to NVDA’s performance can consider ETFs like the T-Rex 2X Long NVIDIA Daily Target (NYSE:TGT) ETF (NYSE:NVDX), GraniteShares 2x Long NVDA Daily ETF (NASDAQ:NVDL), or Direxion Daily Nvda Bull 2X Shares (NASDAQ:NVDU).
These ETFs aim to deliver twice the daily performance of Nvidia Corporation stock, adjusted for fees. If NVDA’s stock price rises by 1%, the ETF should theoretically increase by 2%, and vice versa. They use financial instruments like futures contracts or swaps to achieve this leverage.
However, these ETFs are highly volatile, riskier, and not ideal for long-term investments due to the compounding effects. Fees associated with leverage can also impact returns.
For those interested in generating income, the YieldMax YieldMax NVDA Option Income Strategy ETF (NYSE:NVDY) offers a different approach. Instead of owning NVDA stock, NVDY generates monthly income through options strategies, primarily by selling covered calls. This involves selling call options slightly above NVDA’s current price and collecting premiums.
While this strategy caps potential gains if NVDA’s price exceeds the strike price of the sold calls, it focuses on generating regular income. NVDY is not suited for capital appreciation and carries higher risk due to its options strategies and single-issuer focus on NVDA stock.