Samsung SK hynix stocks are heading in opposite directions, showing a clear divide in investor confidence and market conditions. This divergence highlights shifting dynamics in South Korea’s competitive semiconductor industry, where both firms hold global importance.
Samsung Electronics surged to 67,100 won, its highest price this year. In contrast, SK hynix dropped to 269,000 won, falling more than 10 percent from its July peak. Earlier in the year, SK hynix had been the stronger performer, leading gains across the tech sector.
Until recently, SK hynix shares climbed over 50 percent year-to-date, driven by demand for high-bandwidth memory used in AI technologies. Meanwhile, Samsung shares rose only 25 percent in the same period. However, a wave of foreign investment has now turned attention back to Samsung, reviving its momentum.
Foreign investors purchased 1.87 trillion won worth of Samsung shares this month. As a result, foreign ownership exceeded 50 percent for the first time since April. The Supreme Court’s acquittal of Samsung leader Lee Jae-yong triggered this surge, removing years of legal uncertainty.
Shinhan Securities analyst Kang Jin Hyeok explained that investors expect Samsung to push forward with strategic initiatives after the ruling. Over just two trading days, foreign investors added 922 billion won in Samsung shares, boosting confidence in its growth prospects.
Meanwhile, SK hynix stocks declined sharply after Goldman Sachs downgraded its rating from “buy” to “neutral” for the first time in three years. Analysts warned that rising competition in memory technologies could hurt SK hynix’s market position. This downgrade caused an 8.8 percent single-day drop, wiping out 19.3 trillion won in market value.
Foreign investors also reduced their exposure to SK hynix. They sold 301 billion won worth of shares this month, ending a two-month buying spree. In just two days, they offloaded 700 billion won of SK hynix stock, signaling growing caution among international investors.
The diverging performance of Samsung SK hynix stocks reflects different challenges and strengths. Samsung benefits from legal clarity and strong foreign support, while SK hynix faces heightened competition and investor uncertainty. Both companies remain vital players in South Korea’s technology landscape.
