#samsungskhynixleadseoulrally SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics extended their rally after reports that Singapore’s Temasek is preparing to invest in Korean memory makers, adding fuel to an AI-driven surge that has already pushed both stocks to record highs. Shares climbed more than 4% in Seoul, tracking a strong four-day rally in US semiconductor names as investors renewed bets on AI infrastructure spending. The gains come on top of massive moves earlier this year: SK Hynix jumped as much as 30% and Samsung 26% on a single Friday in late July, helping the KOSPI stage its biggest one-day rebound ever. Both companies have been the biggest beneficiaries of the AI boom as the dominant suppliers of high-bandwidth memory chips used in Nvidia accelerators and data centers. The optimism is backed by record profits and unprecedented capital plans. SK Hynix is earmarking at least 45 trillion won in capex for 2026, up 50% year-on-year, while Samsung’s spending is on pace to exceed 52.7 trillion won from 2025. Executives warn that memory shortages will persist through 2028 and possibly beyond 2030, with long-term contracts insulating them from the traditional boom-bust cycle. South Korea’s government is also leaning in, unveiling a $745 billion national strategy to cement a global AI chip lead, with Samsung and SK Hynix committing to build new fabrication sites in the southwest and accelerate the Yongin cluster. Analysts note risks remain if hyperscalers slow AI spending, but for now demand from Meta, Microsoft and others keeps capacity tight and prices elevated, giving both chipmakers room to keep expanding. - World Business News.$SAMSUNGEM $QUID $AXTIB