Asian shares gain, with South Korea's Kospi up 6%, after the US Treasury expands its debt buybacks
Shares are mostly higher in Asia, with South Korea’s benchmark Kospi rebounding more than 6%
Last updated: 2026-08-20 12:32:09 ET
Pulse AI Brief
Updated Aug 20, 2026 11:03 AM ET
SK Hynix shares jumped over 12% in Seoul after the South Korean chipmaker announced a major stock buyback, signaling confidence in memory chip demand recovery and cash generation. The buyback comes as AI-driven DRAM and NAND demand accelerates globally.
The buyback supports SK Hynix's valuation and signals management expects sustained pricing power in memory chips. Peers like Micron and Samsung face pressure to match capital returns, while memory spot prices may stabilize on reduced supply growth expectations.
SK Hynix's confidence reflects structural AI capex tailwinds that are reshaping semiconductor supply dynamics. This validates the thesis that AI infrastructure spending will sustain elevated memory pricing through 2025, benefiting Korean and U.S. chipmakers.
Shares are mostly higher in Asia, with South Korea’s benchmark Kospi rebounding more than 6%
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