Samsung Electronics has regained strength as South Korea’s most influential stock. Investors now bet on a potential Samsung AI chip comeback. Its shares surged 10 percent this month, driving more than one-third of the Kospi’s overall gain. Meanwhile, rival SK Hynix dropped nearly 8 percent, losing recent momentum in the AI memory space. This performance shift has sparked growing interest in Samsung’s recovery path.
Market watchers believe Samsung AI chip comeback hopes are fueling its recent rally. Analysts point to steady research and development improvements in high-bandwidth memory (HBM) technologies. Investors have injected about $1.2 billion into Samsung stock this month alone. On the flip side, SK Hynix saw a $200 million outflow. This contrast highlights shifting investor sentiment in the AI chip sector.
Samsung maintains a dominant 15 percent weight in the Kospi Index. That figure still doubles SK Hynix’s presence, even after two years of SK’s strong performance. During that time, SK Hynix led the market due to early HBM shipments for Nvidia’s AI chips. However, the tide may now be turning. Samsung’s stock held steady even after weak earnings, hinting at a bottom.
Investors often anticipate shifts six months in advance. Some market experts believe the turning point in Samsung’s stock has already begun. As Samsung AI chip comeback efforts continue, short interest has fallen, while optimism grows. Meanwhile, SK Hynix faces renewed pressure despite reporting record quarterly profits. Analysts warn of rising competition and narrowing leadership gaps.
SK Hynix still leads in next-generation HBM chip supply. Both it and U.S.-based Micron have already delivered HBM4 chip samples to customers. Yet, Samsung appears ready to challenge that dominance soon. Analysts expect Nvidia approvals to act as a tipping point for broader confidence. With that, Samsung could regain significant ground in the AI chip race.
Even after SK Hynix’s earnings surprise, its shares fell 1.3 percent. Concerns about future demand and market share weighed on sentiment. The AI memory battle is intensifying, with investor focus shifting toward Samsung. Many now expect Samsung to close the gap within a year or two. Rising confidence could sustain Samsung AI chip comeback hopes in the near term.
