Has the possibility of a September rate hike increased? What is the market paying attention to? | Park Byeong-chang, CEO of MP Partners

Summary

Park Byeong-chang, CEO of MP Partners, reviews the market impact of AI leaders' speed-control comments, CPI, Fed rate-hike expectations, and the new Korean after-hours trading system. He views Samsung Electronics and SK hynix as range-bound rather than broken, sees a September Fed hike as potentially clearing uncertainty for long bonds and risk assets, and flags shipbuilding engine, nuclear/power, and autonomous driving as emerging themes. He also considers WTI range-bound and says KOSPI could rise if this week's volatility does not turn into a downtrend.

• AI leaders' warnings about slowing development pressured semiconductor sentiment, but Park views it mostly as psychological.
• Samsung Electronics and SK hynix are stuck in a range due to supply overhang and flatter LTA growth, not bad news.
• CPI was driven by oil and telecom services; the market debated whether a Fed hike would be risk-positive.
• Park expects a September hike may resolve uncertainty and potentially lower 30-year Treasury yields, supporting risk assets.
• Korea's new after-hours trading expands to all stocks until 8pm, requiring investors to watch US premarket moves.
• Shipbuilding engine, nuclear/power infrastructure, and autonomous driving were highlighted as emerging positive themes.
• WTI oil is seen as range-bound, with chasing sustained upside considered risky.
• KOSPI may rise next week if this week's action remains volatile rather than decisively down.