Philadelphia Semiconductor Index (SOXX)

The Philadelphia Semiconductor index (SOXX) includes 17 of the largest semiconductor stocks (for example Intel, Motorola, Texas Instruments, Teradyne, Applied Materials and KLA Tencor).

The following chart of the index shows how it tracks the cyclical nature of the semiconductor industry.The prominent feature on the chart is the year 2000 peak and subsequent collapse. Also, the two cycles preceding the bubble are shorter in duration and they peak at much lower levels than the bubble cycle.