Applied Materials Joins S&P 100, Triggers Buying by $29.4B S&P 100 ETF
Applied Materials was one of four AI-focused companies added to the S&P 100 during the March 6, 2026 quarterly rebalance, triggering automatic buying by index funds. The iShares S&P 100 ETF must deploy part of its $29.4 billion in assets to purchase Applied Materials shares, boosting price-insensitive demand.
1. S&P 100 Rebalancing
During the March 6, 2026 quarterly rebalance the S&P 100 added four AI infrastructure companies—Micron Technology, Lam Research, Applied Materials and GE Vernova—while removing PayPal, American International Group, MetLife and Target. This move underscores the growing weight of AI-capable firms in top-tier indices.
2. Implications for Applied Materials
Inclusion in the S&P 100 triggers automatic purchases by all index funds tracking the index. The iShares S&P 100 ETF, with $29.4 billion in assets under management, must now acquire Applied Materials shares, creating price-insensitive demand that may bolster the stock’s performance.