Global Market: SK Hynix jumps 13% as easing US inflation, AI memory optimism lift chip stocks

Global semiconductor stocks rallied sharply, with SK Hynix jumping 13 percent and Samsung Electronics climbing nearly 8 percent, driven by cooler-than-expected US inflation data and renewed optimism around AI-driven memory demand. Barclays initiated coverage of SK Hynix ADRs with an overweight rating and a price target of $330, sending the ADRs up about 28 percent on Nasdaq. Analysts cited DRAM suppliers meeting only around 75-80 percent of demand, with SK Hynix's CEO warning of the worst-ever memory supply shortage in 2027.