AI-Driven Markets & Trump’s China Trip: 2026-05-13 Analysis
With the U.S.-China summit on the horizon, President Trump has added NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang to his economic delegation, making the AI and semiconductor sectors the center of global attention. Despite geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and spiking oil prices, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq hit record highs on May 11 (local time) thanks to a surge in AI chip stocks. The potential for a U.S.-China breakthrough on AI and chips, combined with hopes for an end to the Iran conflict, is expected to positively impact the semiconductor and power infrastructure sectors in the South Korean market.
AI-Driven Markets & Trump’s China Trip: 2026-05-13 Analysis
U.S. Market Sectors and Global Issues
1. AI Semiconductors: The Core Market Driver
On May 11 (local time), the New York stock market saw its major indices defended by strong buying in the AI semiconductor sector, despite headwinds from Middle Eastern geopolitical instability and surging oil prices.
- S&P 500: Closed at 7,412.84 (+13.91, +0.19%), hitting a new all-time high.
- Nasdaq: Also reached a record high.
- The market’s momentum remains heavily concentrated in tech, particularly AI chips.
NVIDIA is seen as the leader of the AI "war of money," with CEO Jensen Huang joining the delegation for the U.S.-China summit. Reports indicate that NVIDIA is driving global AI investment competition, pouring a total of 58 trillion won into the industry.
2. Power Infrastructure & AI Data Centers
In the South Korean market, themes related to AI data centers and replacing aging U.S. power grids saw strong gains. On May 11, Seondo Electric (+30%) was among the top 30 gainers, analyzed as a beneficiary of these expectations.
3. Robotics, New Listings, and Middle East Risks
- Cosmo Robotics (+300%): Hit the daily limit on its first day of trading amidst excitement for the robotics (industrial/collaborative) theme.
- Middle East Geopolitical Risks: The Iran-U.S. peace talks show signs of collapse, triggering an oil price spike and short-term market volatility. Two months after the onset of the U.S.-Iran war, global financial markets have absorbed the shock and are rebounding.
- Lumentum: Gained value following its inclusion in the Nasdaq-100 index, drawing attention to the optical and communication components sector.
Analysis of Key Stakeholders
1. Trump: "I will demand China opens up"
President Trump posted on Truth Social on May 12 (local time) that during his visit to China (13th–15th), he would demand expanded market access for U.S. firms. By bringing 16 major executives—including Jensen Huang—Trump is setting the stage for "big deals" in AI, finance, and energy.
Market Implication: Expectations for renewed U.S.-China trade talks are buoying semiconductors and tech stocks, with U.S. Big Tech expected to benefit from Chinese market opening.
2. Jensen Huang: "Direct call from Trump to join Air Force One"
NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang, initially not expected to be part of the delegation, joined at the last minute following a direct request from President Trump. An NVIDIA spokesperson confirmed that Jensen is accompanying the President to support U.S. and administration goals.
Market Implication: Huang’s visit could be a "game changer" for U.S.-China AI chip negotiations, potentially providing positive momentum for Korean semiconductor firms like Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix.
3. Trump: "Iran's response is unacceptable"—Fears of negotiation collapse
President Trump criticized Iran’s response to peace talks as "unacceptable," suggesting the negotiations could fall through. He stated that Iran has "played with the U.S. and the world for 47 years."
Market Implication: Heightened Middle East tensions could increase oil price volatility, boosting the energy sector while adding broader market uncertainty. However, the Herald Business reported analysis that "once the Iran war ends, focus will shift to Asia, with Korea and Taiwan leading the rally."
4. Elon Musk & Tim Cook: Joining the delegation
16 executives including Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Apple CEO Tim Cook are accompanying Trump to China. High expectations exist that if Chinese authorities grant Tesla permission for autonomous driving technology this year, Tesla's performance could see a major boost.
Market Implication: Hopes for Apple and Tesla’s reentry into the Chinese market could positively affect their domestic supply chains and partners in Korea.
Impact on Korean Market & Promising Sectors
1. AI Semiconductors / Power Infrastructure
With AI semiconductors leading the U.S. market and Jensen Huang’s visit fueling hopes for a U.S.-China chip deal, domestic sectors are expected to benefit.
- Seondo Electric: Surged 30% on May 11, driven by AI data center and power grid replacement demand.
- Samsung Electronics / SK Hynix: Expectations for a breakthrough could indirectly boost demand for high-performance memory like HBM, a cornerstone of the global AI supply chain.
2. Robotics
- Cosmo Robotics: Rose 300% on its listing debut, showing strength within the industrial and collaborative robot themes. Increased demand for automation following global AI investment is positively impacting the entire domestic robotics sector.
3. Defense / Energy
- Continued uncertainty in U.S.-Iran peace talks may lead to short-term gains for domestic energy and defense stocks if oil prices spike. Conversely, the potential for a peaceful resolution could serve as a broader catalyst for the Korean market, with Herald Business pointing toward a potential rally for Korea and Taiwan in the wake of the war.
Market Summary
- S&P 500: 7,412.84 (+13.91, +0.19%) — Record high (as of May 11 close).
- Nasdaq: Record high.
- AI semiconductor strength offset geopolitical risks and oil price spikes.
- President Trump’s China visit (13th–15th) and Jensen Huang’s last-minute participation are raising hopes for U.S.-China AI/semiconductor negotiations, serving as a primary catalyst for the market.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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