Next after 40 trillion is 100 trillion… Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix's record-high shareholder returns, stock market value-up begins | Director Lee Ju-yeon

Summary

Director Lee Ju-yeon reviews overnight moves in US long-term Treasury yields, Broadcom's AI-related debt financing, data center delay concerns, and the crypto rally. She argues Korean semiconductor names have largely bottomed and sees Samsung Electronics' expected record shareholder return as a near-term catalyst for Korea value-up. She also views crypto strength as regulation- and short-squeeze-driven, while cautioning that Korean crypto-related names are only a short-term theme.

• Long-term US Treasury yields rebound despite Treasury buyback and Bessent comments, with high yields framed as the new normal.
• Broadcom's reported up to $100bn debt raise for Anthropic AI infrastructure adds to rate pressure but is a follow-up to the June partnership.
• US data center construction delays and protests pressure tech, but Korean semiconductor names are seen as already bottomed.
• Bitcoin recovers above $70,000 on US regulatory tailwinds and short covering, with Ethereum, Solana and crypto-related stocks rallying.
• SK Hynix buybacks and Samsung Electronics' expected 150–160 trillion won shareholder return support Korean semis and value-up momentum.
• Korea's 12th power supply plan implies much larger electricity needs, supporting the power infrastructure and nuclear power cycle.