AI‑Driven Memory Chip Surge Powers Global Stock Gains

South Korean memory leaders SK Hynix (38.9% weight) and Samsung (29.9%) anchor a new Taiwan‑based ETF that tracks the KOSPI‑50, aiming to capture the AI‑related demand for high‑bandwidth memory and DRAM. The fund launched on 3‑7 August 2026 with a NT$10 price.

In the United States, major indices slipped modestly as Brent oil rose toward $100 per barrel, reviving inflation and Federal Reserve rate‑hike concerns. Technology shares felt pressure while companies such as Super Micro and AT&T reported strong earnings; analysts highlighted the uncertain sustainability of the AI spending rally.

Taiwan’s market rebounded, the weighted index gaining about 600 points to 44,825, propelled by memory and silicon‑photonic stocks that posted multiple limit‑up moves. Foreign investors switched from a 13‑day net‑sell streak to buying, and Nvidia’s CEO attended the opening of Wistron’s new Texas plant, boosting related suppliers.

Citi announced that the traditional “Magnificent Seven” growth‑stock framework has lost relevance. It promoted a broader “growth cluster” covering roughly half the S&P 500’s market capitalisation, which has outperformed the broader index by about 2 percentage points this year, driven largely by AI‑related semiconductor and hardware earnings.

Taiwan’s securities firms posted NT$1.44 trillion profit for the first half of 2026, a 324 % year‑over‑year rise, despite a June profit dip linked to valuation losses. Brokerage fees rose with a 10 % increase in market turnover.

Turkish‑language reports echoed the U.S. market close, noting oil price spikes, AI‑spending scrutiny, and ongoing Middle‑East geopolitical tensions that pressure energy supplies.