At the 2026 Spring Festival Gala, Unitree Robotics' "Wǔ BOT" performance captivated the audience with displays of drunken boxing, aerial flips, and multi-robot coordination. Behind every precise movement of humanoid robots lies the essential AI algorithms and chips that enable them to "think." While robots are gaining popularity, the underlying infrastructure supporting this technological wave is also drawing significant attention.

On the STAR Market, two indices specifically target the artificial intelligence and semiconductor sectors: the SSE STAR Market AI Index and the SSE STAR Market Semiconductor Index. The former selects 30 listed companies on the STAR Market involved in AI foundational resources, technology, and application support. The latter covers 50 STAR Market companies across the entire semiconductor industry chain, including materials and equipment, chip design, manufacturing, packaging, and testing. The E Fund STAR Market AI ETF (588730) and the E Fund STAR Market Semiconductor ETF (589130) track these two indices, respectively, offering convenient tools for investing in these fields. However, how should individual investors choose between them? Understanding the specific characteristics of each index is the first step.

The STAR Market AI Index functions as a comprehensive "hardware-software integrated" AI portfolio, resolving the dilemma of whether to invest in hardware or software. According to Shenwan industry classification, the semiconductor sector accounts for nearly half of the index, while software development and IT services each represent between 15% and 20%. Among its top ten constituents are AI chip companies like Cambricon and Montage Technology, AI application leaders such as Kingsoft Office, and consumer-focused AI implementers like Roborock, enabling balanced exposure to leading enterprises across different segments of the AI industry chain.

The STAR Market Semiconductor Index is purely focused on "hardcore" technology, with semiconductors comprising 95% of its weighting and excluding application-layer companies. Its constituents span virtually all segments of the chip industry chain, from equipment suppliers like AMEC and Piotech, to design firms including Hygon Information and Montage Technology, to manufacturers such as SMIC and Hua Hong Semiconductor, along with key players in packaging, testing, and materials. This index essentially captures the core forces driving China's semiconductor self-sufficiency, allowing targeted exposure to the semiconductor industry's cyclical trends.

In summary, the two indices have distinct positioning. The STAR Market AI Index offers "comprehensive AI exposure," suitable for investors seeking bundled exposure to chips, software, and end-products. The STAR Market Semiconductor Index provides "full semiconductor coverage," ideal for investors bullish on semiconductor cycle upturns or committed to domestic hard tech advancement. Investors should make careful decisions based on their investment objectives, experience, and risk tolerance after fully understanding each index's characteristics. Those looking to capture opportunities in this technological wave may consider participating through products like the E Fund STAR Market AI ETF (588730) and the E Fund STAR Market Semiconductor ETF (589130) for efficient exposure to core AI and semiconductor assets.