The composite stock index of Korea's exchange market
South Korea’s Kospi has surged past 7,000 as AI-driven demand for memory semiconductors lifts the market. Goldman Sachs has raised its 12‑month target to 9,000, citing durable earnings in memory chips and rising valuations.
Samsung Electronics has reached a critical juncture as a union move to scrap a 50% bonus cap and push for 15% of operating profit to bonuses faces a government-backed mediation deadlock. About 45,000-74,000 workers are set to walk out for 18 days, pressuring export-reliant economy and AI chip supply chains amid ongoing talks.
Samsung Electronics’ memory-chip division has reached a profit-sharing agreement with its unions, with 74% of around 62,000 voters backing the deal. The plan allocates 10.5% of operating profits to chip workers as special bonuses, averting a potential strike and underscoring the AI-driven surge in memory-chip profits amid a broader tech rally.
Oil markets have shifted as the U.S. and Iran outline a framework to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Brent and WTI hover around the mid- to high-80s/low-90s as sanctions waivers enable resumed Iranian exports. Global stocks move with muted optimism while gas prices remain elevated compared to prewar levels.
The AI-driven memory-chip rally has continued this week. SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics have joined trillion-dollar valuations while the broader Kospi shows renewed volatility amid global AI market enthusiasm and new IPO chatter.
Global chip shares have declined in recent sessions, denting tech stocks amid higher-for-longer inflation bets. SpaceX’s looming IPO and mega-cap listings are shaping flows, while investors brace for further volatility as inflation data and policy paths weigh on sentiment.
World leaders are engaging on North Korea as Washington seeks to balance denuclearisation with dialogue. Trump has indicated openness to diplomacy, while South Korea urges leadership from Washington. Talks cover sanctions, shipbuilding, and broader regional coordination.
Global markets hold steady as US Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh signals a cautious pause, with oil prices stabilising after recent falls. UK inflation data supports expectations of a hold on rates, while energy assets rally on easing supply concerns.
Micron has reported blockbuster fiscal third-quarter results — $41.46bn revenue and $28.24bn net income — and has forecast roughly $50bn for the current quarter. The results have pushed Micron above a $1tn market value, restarted buying in memory stocks and have sharpened concerns that soaring AI data‑centre demand is forcing consumer electronics makers, including Apple, to prepare price increases.
Global markets are mixed as investors digest news of a framework for a long-term Iran peace deal. Oil prices have fallen sharply, and major indices climbed in US trading after the deal signals potential sanctions relief and production shifts across the Middle East.
Markets are stabilising after a stretch of high activity in tech options, with traders shifting focus as implied volatility cools. Small caps are leading potential next moves, while global equities reflect a policy-led, carry-friendly regime.
Tech stocks retreat after Micron’s results dim optimism for AI demand; Kospi sinks as memory-chip exposure bites—while mega-cap techs hold some ground.
Major device makers have raised prices and warned consumers after memory and storage costs have surged because AI data‑centre buildouts are buying up DRAM and flash. Apple has increased Mac and iPad prices; Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo have signalled or implemented console and hardware hikes. Analysts say shortages will persist into 2027.
SK Hynix has raised $26.5bn by selling 177.9m American depositary receipts at $149 each, in the largest-ever US share sale by a foreign company. Its ADRs have begun trading on Nasdaq under temporary ticker SKHYV and will convert to SKHY; the company is using proceeds to expand fabs, packaging and EUV capacity as AI-driven memory demand surges.
The United States has declined to renew the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement in its current form and has begun annual reviews instead. Washington has said it will continue talks with Mexico and Canada to address trade deficits and "shortcomings." The pact remains in force and will expire in 2036 unless countries agree changes.
The US and Iran have exchanged fresh strikes this weekend and on Monday, reversing a recent interim ceasefire and re‑opening doubt over control of the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump has declared the ceasefire "over," ordered further strikes and revoked a temporary oil waiver. Oil has jumped into the high $70s–$80s and global markets have fallen.
South Korea’s Kospi has surged and then tumbled in line with AI-driven moves by Samsung and SK Hynix. Regulators have paused leveraged ETFs as retail traders chase high-risk bets, while global investors watch the country as a barometer for AI demand.
Memory-chip stocks have surged on AI demand but face a sharp pullback as investors reassess valuations and the U.S. listing gap for SK Hynix widens, with analysts expecting volatility to persist into the next quarter.
China is steering consumption toward offline, experience-driven spending as policymakers back in-person venues and events. Investors see the consumer as king even as retail growth remains tepid, with policymakers highlighting experience-focused sectors and venues like Wangfujing to attract locals and tourists.
Apple has overtaken Nvidia to become the world’s most valuable company, with a market cap of about $4.95 trillion. Nvidia’s shares have fallen after talks of OpenAI funding and AI investment concerns weighed on sentiment. The broader AI stock rout continues as investors reassess capital expenditure and debt in the sector.