Investors focus on Q2 tech earnings and AI demand after a softer US jobs report reduced rate-hike expectations last week.
Markets opened the week with mixed signals as Asian shares dipped and Wall Street futures edged higher ahead of second-quarter earnings reports. The softer-than-expected US jobs data released last week led investors to scale back expectations for Federal Reserve rate hikes, supporting a rally in global stocks.
Tech stocks, particularly chipmakers, will be in focus as trading resumes post-US holiday. The KOSPI index fell 0.5% on Monday, with Samsung Electronics set to report earnings on Tuesday. Analysts expect an 18-fold profit surge driven by AI memory demand, though bonus payouts may offset gains.
The earnings season will test the resilience of chip stocks, which outperformed the broader market in the first half but faced pressure in last week’s tech selloff.