Stock Market Briefing — 2026-07-22

Key Market Issues

1. Sustained Strength in Semiconductors Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix have surged, supported by strong semiconductor exports and optimistic outlooks from global investment banks (IB). Concentrated buying by foreign and institutional investors is driving the KOSPI's rise.

2. Gains in Robot and Power Sectors Robot stocks have jumped on expectations of Samsung Electronics expanding its robotics business. Meanwhile, power stocks like LS ELECTRIC are also showing strength as the demand for power infrastructure investment grows.

3. Hopes for a US-Iran Ceasefire Investor sentiment is improving as concerns over geopolitical risks ease. Semiconductor-related stocks are rebounding on the US Nasdaq, which is subsequently boosting domestic semiconductor shares.

Analysis of Surging Themes and Stocks

1. Semiconductor-Related Stocks

• SMCI (Super Micro Computer): +21.73% (+5.54), volume 46.034M
• SK Hynix (SKHY): -3.13% (-5.38), though expectations for improved global supply and demand remain.
• Intel (INTC): +0.27% (+0.28), volume 14.093M
• NVIDIA (NVDA): +0.29% (+0.61), volume 11.54M

2. Telecom Sector Strength

• AT&T (T): +3.93% (+0.88), volume 24.488M. The company exceeded market expectations with strong wireless subscriber additions in its second-quarter earnings.

3. Robot and Aerospace Themes

• RKLB (Rocket Lab): +2.91% (+2.01), volume 5.388M
• JOBY (Joby Aviation): +1.46% (+0.11), volume 5.171M

4. Other Notable Stocks

• ONDS (Ondas Inc.): +7.57% (+0.58), volume 19.997M. The company gained traction with retail investors after showcasing the versatility of its Ondas platform in recent order updates.

Macro Context

1. Improved Global Chip Supply and Demand The rebound of chipmakers in the US stock market suggests that global semiconductor supply and demand conditions are improving. The rise of domestic semiconductor stocks reflects this broader global trend.

2. Easing Geopolitical Risks Tensions between the US and Iran are gradually cooling, reducing investor risk-aversion. This has encouraged foreign investors to buy into the Korean market.

3. Corporate Earnings Season Major companies in the US, including Tesla, Alphabet, and Intel, are currently reporting their earnings, and these results are shaping global market sentiment.

This report is based solely on researched data, and all investment responsibility lies with the individual.