Top performers of the second quarter 2026: chips, AI, and Asia lead gains

During the second quarter of 2026, global equities rebounded strongly, with the S&P 500 up about 14–15%, the Nasdaq roughly 20–26%, and the Nasdaq-100 approaching 28%, marking the best quarterly performance since Q2 2020 for several major indices.

The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index (SOX) surged around 88–89%, logging its best quarter since inception in 1994, driven by AI‑related demand for memory and hardware.

Among the standout individual stocks, SanDisk (SNDK) led the S&P 500 with gains near 250%, followed by Micron Technology (MU) around 240%, Intel (INTC) about 210%, and Marvell Technology (MRVL) roughly 200%; all are semiconductor or memory‑focused names.

On a regional basis, emerging‑market equities returned about 24%, with Asia ex‑Japan up 28%, led by Korea (+88%) and Taiwan (+49%), thanks to huge rallies in Samsung, SK Hynix, and other chipmakers.

Small‑cap and technology‑themed funds also outperformed, with some small‑growth and tech‑sector funds posting gains of 35–40% in the quarter.