Google’s raised full-year capex guidance to $195-205 billion lifts SK Hynix and Samsung, driving Kospi and Nikkei gains.
South Korea’s Kospi climbed over 3% and Japan’s Nikkei rose 1% as Google’s increased AI capital expenditure guidance fueled gains in chipmakers. SK Hynix surged 6.5% and Samsung Electronics advanced 4.8%, reflecting expectations of sustained demand for memory and advanced chips tied to data center expansion.
Google’s revised capex forecast of $195-205 billion for the year underscores robust AI infrastructure spending, reinforcing confidence in the sector’s growth. The rally extends beyond Korea and Japan, with broader implications for regional semiconductor suppliers in upcoming sessions.
South Korea’s stronger-than-expected GDP growth added domestic support but also raised prospects of further Bank of Korea tightening. Higher rates could pressure valuations, complicating the equity outlook despite the AI-driven momentum.