Seoul, Jan 12, 2026, 01:28 KST — Market closed.
- Memory pricing is once again steering SK hynix shares as trading picks up in Seoul.
- Buyers are watching closely to see if AI demand is starting to influence the mainstream DRAM and NAND markets.
- Sentiment will hinge on quarterly results due later this month.
DRAM prices are forecast to jump 50%-55% this quarter compared to Q4, driven by strong demand from AI buyers. Micron’s business head Sumit Sadana told CNBC that demand has “far outpaced our ability to supply.” SK hynix (000660.KS) slipped 1.59% to 744,000 won on Friday but remains roughly 10% higher year-to-date. 1
DRAM and NAND chips form the backbone of data storage and transfer in phones, PCs, and servers. When their prices spike, device makers face a choice: absorb the higher costs or pass them along, triggering shifts across supply chains.
SK hynix occupies a key spot in that trade, offering standard DRAM and NAND alongside high-bandwidth memory (HBM), a stacked DRAM variant critical for AI accelerators. As quarterly results approach later this month, investors are keen to gauge pricing trends, production levels, and the company’s spending plans.
Signs emerged early from a major client. HP is qualifying additional memory suppliers based in China for certain products destined for Asia and parts of Europe, analyst Tae Kim said, referencing talks with Bank of America. He noted that “memory chips are commodities” and can be swapped out more readily than specialized AI chips. 2
Local buying pressure has boosted chip giants further. Data from FnGuide reveals the National Pension Service’s equity holdings hit 266.1 trillion won ($183 billion) by Friday, marking a 35% jump since the end of September. This surge was driven largely by strong gains in Samsung Electronics and SK hynix. 3
Overseas investors are backing this trend. Goldman Sachs strategists hold an overweight stance on Asia’s tech stocks, forecasting more upside. Citigroup noted that long-term buyers are piling into the sector, eyeing potential earnings growth, Bloomberg reported. 4
SK hynix faces a key question: will price hikes in AI server parts spread to mainstream PC and mobile memory? Demand in those segments tends to falter quickly. Traders are on alert for clues from device makers about component costs and supply conditions.
The HP talk adds fresh risk to the mix: customers are chasing leverage and more options. Just the process of vetting a new supplier can shake up pricing discussions with incumbents like Samsung Electronics and Micron.
Memory markets are known for sudden reversals. If demand for AI hardware dips or suppliers ramp up capacity too quickly, prices could drop fast and stockpiles could rise. On top of that, stricter U.S.-China policies might throw a wrench into sales and manufacturing strategies.
As Seoul gears up to open Monday, all eyes will be on SK hynix to see if it follows the wider chip sector or shifts focus toward its own company-specific risks.
SK hynix is set to release its quarterly earnings on Jan. 21, according to market calendars. Investors are keen to hear updates on HBM shipments, contract pricing, and capital expenditure plans. The company’s outlook on whether the current shortage will persist into the second half will also be closely watched. 5
