AI Boom Propels Samsung and SK Hynix to Record Gains as Memory Chip Market Explodes

Key Highlights

• South Korea’s Kospi benchmark surged 4.6% on Monday, propelled by gains in semiconductor stocks
• SK Hynix shares climbed 8.3% while Samsung Electronics advanced 5.7% on artificial intelligence chip momentum
• DRAM industry revenue reached $154.73 billion during Q2 2026, representing a 59.5% sequential increase
• The two South Korean giants command approximately 64% of worldwide DRAM market share
• Industry analysts project DRAM pricing will increase 13% to 18% during Q3 2026

South Korean equities experienced substantial gains on Monday as market participants demonstrated confidence in the ongoing expansion of artificial intelligence technologies, delivering significant upside to memory semiconductor manufacturers.

The Kospi index concluded trading with a 4.6% advance. Samsung Electronics climbed 5.7% while SK Hynix surged 8.3%, with both companies reaching their highest closing levels in several months. SK Hynix finished at 1.783 million won per share, and Samsung settled at 270,000 won.

SK hynix Inc., SKHY

Japan’s Nikkei 225 benchmark similarly posted gains, advancing 2.1%. The CSI 300 in mainland China rose 0.6%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index declined 0.9%.

Friday’s robust U.S. employment data likely contributed momentum to the regional rally. The United States added 162,000 jobs during August, significantly exceeding analyst projections.

European indices failed to mirror Asia’s positive sentiment. The Stoxx 600 declined 0.2% during early sessions. Germany’s Dax also fell 0.2% following a right-wing party’s victory in a state election. American markets remained closed for the Labor Day holiday.

Memory Chip Market Delivers Impressive Revenue Expansion

The rally in South Korean technology stocks coincided with fresh industry data revealing robust expansion in worldwide DRAM markets. Total sector revenue climbed to $154.73 billion during Q2 2026, marking a 59.5% sequential jump, based on findings from TrendForce research.

Samsung maintained its position as market leader with DRAM sales of $60.98 billion, representing a 63.4% quarter-over-quarter increase. The company’s market dominance expanded from 38.5% to 39.4%. Samsung has been aggressively scaling production of its sixth-generation high-bandwidth memory technology, designated as HBM4.

SK Hynix recorded DRAM sales of $38.59 billion, climbing 37.9%. Despite revenue growth, its market position contracted from 28.8% to 24.9%. This decline reflects the characteristics of HBM supply agreements, which involve extended contract periods that delay the recognition of price adjustments.

Micron Technology secured third position, achieving revenue growth of 65.5% to reach $36 billion. The American company’s market share expanded from 22.4% to 23.3%, reducing its gap behind SK Hynix.

Constrained Supply Meets Intensifying AI Requirements

Memory chip inventories continue to run lean throughout the sector. TrendForce anticipates supply expansion will remain constrained during Q3, maintaining upward momentum on pricing. DRAM prices are projected to climb between 13% and 18% in the upcoming quarter.

Certain personal computer and smartphone manufacturers may find it challenging to accommodate these price increases, potentially moderating the rate of future gains.

Wall Street projections for Samsung’s Q3 operating profit have increased 12% during the last three months to 114.19 trillion won. Estimates for SK Hynix have risen 4% to 78.80 trillion won.

Appetite for AI-optimized memory chips is projected to remain robust as technology companies persist in developing increasingly sophisticated models and more powerful computing infrastructures.

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