Overview
- Samsung’s market value topped one trillion dollars after a sharp share surge tied to demand for AI-focused chips.
- The company posted a record first‑quarter operating profit of about €32.3 billion, roughly eight times last year, as memory prices jumped on shortages.
- South Korea is now the world’s seventh‑largest stock market after passing Canada, according to Bloomberg, with gains led by Samsung and SK Hynix.
- Heavy buying of chip makers has lifted the Kospi about 70% this year to above 7,000 points, with peers such as SK Hynix and TSMC hitting highs.
- Unions have warned of possible strikes later this month over performance‑based bonuses, creating a near‑term risk even as the AI cycle drives strong results.