REX files for AI chipmaking ETF focused on wafer tools

REX Shares filed for the REX AI Chipmaking ETF to track the VettaFi AI Chipmaking Index. The proposed fund would target companies that supply wafer fabrication equipment, advanced packaging and metrology tools for semiconductor production.

The index assigns 50% of its total weight to wafer fabrication equipment. The remaining 50% is split evenly between advanced packaging and metrology. Within each segment, constituents are weighted by float‑adjusted market capitalization.

Index eligibility requires companies to derive more than 50% of revenue from one of the three segments. New additions must have a market capitalization of at least $1 billion; current constituents may qualify with a market capitalization of $800 million. Constituents must also have a three‑month average daily trading value of at least $1 million.

The index rebalances quarterly and caps any single holding at 5% of the portfolio to limit concentration.

Industry estimates project AI infrastructure revenues could reach about $1.3 trillion by 2026. Market participants have cited persistent upstream constraints for specialized AI chips as a factor driving interest in suppliers of chipmaking equipment.

Companies cited as examples of upstream suppliers include Applied Materials, ASML Holding and Lam Research. Memory makers such as Micron and SK Hynix have reported stronger earnings tied to demand for AI compute.

Todd Rosenbluth, head of research at VettaFi, pointed to REX’s prior index work with VettaFi and noted that the DRNZ ETF has gathered more than $100 million in assets. VettaFi will serve as the index provider and receive licensing fees; it is not the issuer or sponsor of the proposed ETF and does not handle the fund’s issuance, administration, marketing or trading.