Traders Weigh Renewed US-Iran Strikes, SK Hynix Earnings | The Asia Trade 7/29/2026

Summary

The episode covers renewed US-Iran strikes that lifted oil prices, SK Hynix’s record profit miss that deepened AI chip sector worries, and a potential surprise from the Bank of Japan. Guest analysts offer bullish views on SK Hynix, Asia tech bonds, and Hongkong Land, while also flagging the risk of a BOJ surprise hike. A major earthquake in Japan’s Kyushu island adds near-term supply-chain uncertainty.

• Oil prices jump after the US intercepts an Iranian attack on its troops, reversing a multi-day decline.
• SK Hynix 2Q operating profit misses estimates despite a 557% jump, stoking fears of an AI investment slowdown.
• CLSA’s Sanjeev Rana calls the SK Hynix pullback a buying opportunity, citing expected 2027 memory shortages and attractive valuation.
• CreditSights’ Zerlina Zeng says Asia tech bonds (SK Hynix, TSMC) are outperforming US tech bonds on limited new supply.
• Hongkong Land CFO Craig Beattie sees earnings recovery driven by high office occupancy, rent stabilization, and share buybacks.
• Mark Cranfield warns that the Bank of Japan could deliver a surprise rate hike, which would sharply strengthen the yen.
• A 7.1 magnitude earthquake strikes Japan's Kyushu island, a semiconductor manufacturing hub, causing casualties and temporary plant shutdowns.
• Rio Tinto reports a 47% profit jump and maintains full-year guidance, supported by strong aluminum and copper prices.