The "Semiconductor Grim Reaper" Appears Again... Warning "Sell Samsung and Hynix Now

Summary

Park Se-ik reviews morning news: mixed outlook for Samsung SDI, Apple's resilience as it navigates memory costs, the rise of Chinese premium EVs, a column on AI productivity, Japan's semiconductor revival, and Morgan Stanley's bearish call on memory chips. He personally sees a rotation from memory semiconductors into beaten-down Big Tech like Microsoft, and views Apple's aggressive memory sourcing strategy as a positive catalyst.

• Samsung SDI faces conflicting analyst views; DB maintains buy while LS cuts target on EV battery weakness.
• Apple stock near all-time high as Tim Cook lobbies for memory from CXMT and pressures big three memory makers.
• Chinese brand Zeekr attracts strong pre-orders in Korea with high-priced, high-spec EV, signaling changing perceptions.
• Columnist revisits Solow paradox and argues AI infrastructure must amplify human capabilities to deliver productivity gains.
• Japan is rebuilding its semiconductor ecosystem around Micron's Hiroshima fab, leveraging materials and equipment leadership.
• Morgan Stanley warns to sell Samsung and SK Hynix, seeing peak semiconductor momentum and favoring hyperscalers instead.
• Park Se-ik believes memory capex easing will lift beaten-down Big Tech software names like Microsoft.
• Historically, Morgan Stanley downgrades trigger sharp drops but are often too early, followed by a right-shoulder rally.