Software stocks that were once ignored are now highly sought after.

The software sector is experiencing a fierce rebound, completely reversing its long-standing neglect by the market. During this AI boom, investors have focused on semiconductors, leaving the software sector largely ignored. However, this situation is rapidly changing—software stocks have recorded their largest two-day outperformance relative to the S&P 500 in over 25 years, with retail funds pouring in at record levels, and options market trading volume exploding simultaneously. JPMorgan analyst Brian Havey points out that, with the sharp rise in the software sector, long-only funds and hedge funds are accelerating their replenishment of positions, and "Mag 7" has become the most convenient source of funds. Despite the strong market performance, from a longer-term perspective, the software sector's portfolio allocation remains at historically low levels. There is both potential for further gains and pressure to take profits, placing the market at a delicate crossroads. Options and retail investors surge in tandem, fueling a strong catch-up rally. The trading volume of options on the software sector ETF IGV has broken historical records in the past two trading days. According to Goldman Sachs data, on Friday, IGV's call option trading volume surged to 280,000 contracts, setting a new single-day record, and remained high at 225,000 contracts the following day. Retail investor funds are also pouring in at an unprecedented pace. According to Vanda Research, retail investors made a net purchase of $46 million in IGV in a single day, about 40% higher than the previous record set in early February this year, marking the largest single-day net inflow of retail investors in the fund's history. From a price performance perspective, the software sector has significantly outperformed the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index (SOX) in recent trading days, recording its strongest two-day excess return relative to the S&P 500 in over 25 years. Short covering and position rebalancing drive institutional funds into the market. JPMorgan Chase's Brian Havey stated in a recent report: "Given the gains in the software sector, I believe long-only funds and hedge funds will continue to rationalize their positions, including covering short positions and reducing underweights. 'Mag 7' is the most convenient source of funding and a quick way to raise cash." This assessment is corroborated by data from JPMorgan Chase's Positioning Intelligence team. The team's data shows that the long-term holdings in the software sector are currently only at the 1st percentile historically, while the holdings in the semiconductor sector are at the 97th percentile—this extreme divergence is the core driving logic behind this round of catch-up rallies. The enthusiasm has spread to individual stocks, with HPE emerging as a standout performer. According to Vanda Research data, Hewlett Packard Enterprises (HPE) has ranked second on the retail investor buy list in the past two trading days—this is the first time the stock has appeared on Vanda's popular retail investor list. Retail investors' cumulative purchases of HPE in these two trading days are equivalent to the total purchases made in the previous 11 months. Meanwhile, HPE's weekly implied volatility has also surged, reflecting the market's high degree of uncertainty regarding the stock's short-term trend. Positions remain at historically low levels, but profit-taking is preferred over chasing rallies. Despite the sharp rise in this market, from a broader perspective, the software sector's gains are still just a small fluctuation on the long-term chart. JPMorgan Chase's position data shows that long-term holdings in the software sector remain at historically low levels, theoretically indicating significant room for further gains. However, market observers point out that after a historic short squeeze and reaching key price levels, now is a better time to take profits rather than chase the rally and establish new long positions. The software sector remains one of the most under-positioned sectors in the market, but the pace of market movement in the short term has exceeded expectations, and the balance of risk and opportunity is quietly shifting.