Ideas
AI software costs end, leverage follows
The sharp drop in US software and SaaS stocks looks driven mostly by profit-taking after a large rally and by fears that Anthropic-style AI tools such as Claude Cowork can replace service-software functions. The speaker thinks those fears are overstated because AI models are tools rather than replacements for every service, and AI remains early and is expanding into autonomous driving, robots, and data-heavy industries. Software companies face heavy upfront costs, but once products are built operating leverage becomes very large; companies that endure the cost race can capture a monopolistic market and eventually top US market-cap positions. Near-term software stock selection remains difficult.
Only capex-enduring hyperscalers capture AI profits
Alphabet, Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta are all spending heavily on AI and data centers, and the market is increasingly worried about whether they can fund this capex, especially after memory and GPU price increases. Meta and Alphabet capex have reportedly more than doubled to $170-180bn levels. The speaker argues that the companies able to endure these costs will be positioned for a monopolistic AI market and could show powerful revenue and operating leverage in two to three years, potentially becoming top 1-2 US market-cap names.
Memory pricing power remains strong near term
Memory supply is concentrated in Micron, SK hynix, and Samsung Electronics, and major buyers are unlikely to use China's CXMT. Demand is full while prices are rising; SK hynix expects a 60% price-increase effect in Q1, with further increases possible. This gives hardware relatively safe near-term earnings, and the speaker says there is no need to sell Samsung Electronics or SK hynix and they should be kept in the portfolio.
Watch AI hardware cycle in two years
AI hardware looks safe near term, but after two to three years slowing growth and order delays from hyperscalers could cause memory inventory to build and create a downcycle similar to what Samsung Electronics and SK hynix experienced two to three years ago. Hardware investors therefore need to watch the cycle rather than treat the boom as permanent.
Hyundai is a robotics growth story
Hyundai Motor should no longer be viewed only as a traditional cyclical automaker. Boston Dynamics robots can be deployed in factories to cut costs and improve margins, similar to Tesla's Optimus productivity argument, and the company is moving from a cyclical auto valuation toward a robotics growth valuation. The current share price is not expensive in that framework, and a potential Boston Dynamics Nasdaq listing could lift value. January sales weakness should be treated as an opportunity, though execution on internal robotics deployment remains important.
Kia gains from US sales, autonomy
Kia's US sales are relatively solid, particularly in SUVs and small RVs, and it is part of the Hyundai group's move toward autonomous driving and robotics. A future Boston Dynamics collaboration could also support the story. If Hyundai Motor consolidates after its robotics rally, Kia can attract flows, so the near-term setup is viewed positively.
Humanoid production will differentiate robot stocks
Pure-play robot stocks have high valuations and investors worry about market cap versus earnings, but the humanoid narrative is nearing commercialization. SBB Tech, SPG, and Rainbow Robotics plan to produce humanoid robots this year, and Robotis is also preparing production after turning profitable. The next differentiation should come from actual earnings and collaborations with large companies, especially if humanoid robots such as Optimus are mass-produced.
Curexo profits rise on surgical robots
Curexo turned profitable, showing that surgical robots are beginning to generate real earnings. It is preparing to enter the Japanese and US markets, with FDA approval expected around June. This makes it an early proof point for robot commercialization.
Adding Korean pharma/biotech on catalysts
The speaker has recently increased pharma/biotech exposure. Pharma/biotech is about 40% of KOSDAQ, March-May academic society conferences provide catalysts, and policy plus expanded small-cap research coverage should support KOSDAQ small and mid caps. The area is favored during the current market volatility.
KOSDAQ small caps benefit from policy
Policy and brokerage research coverage are likely to expand significantly for KOSDAQ small and mid caps, with many securities firms increasing small-cap coverage. This could create more reports and flows into smaller names, and the speaker expects meaningful KOSDAQ changes within six months. Mid/small caps can move on small supply, so daily mid/small-cap reports deserve attention. Within KOSDAQ, secondary battery and semiconductor equipment/materials are sectors to watch.
KOSDAQ small caps benefit from policy
Policy and brokerage research coverage are likely to expand significantly for KOSDAQ small and mid caps, with many securities firms increasing small-cap coverage. This could create more reports and flows into smaller names, and the speaker expects meaningful KOSDAQ changes within six months. Mid/small caps can move on small supply, so daily mid/small-cap reports deserve attention. Within KOSDAQ, secondary battery and semiconductor equipment/materials are sectors to watch.
This 815 Money Talk (815머니톡) video, published February 07, 2026,
features Lee Hwa-jin
discussing AI software, AMZN, META, GOOGL, MSFT, 000660.KS, 005930.KS, MU, AI Hardware, 005380.KS, 000270.KS, 277810.KQ, 389500.KQ, 058610.KQ, 108490.KQ, 060280.KQ, XBI, KOSDAQ, KOSDAQ secondary battery, KOSDAQ semiconductor equipment/materials.
11 trade ideas extracted by AI with direction and confidence scoring.
Speakers:
Lee Hwa-jin
· Tickers:
AI software,
AMZN,
META,
GOOGL,
MSFT,
000660.KS,
005930.KS,
MU,
AI Hardware,
005380.KS,
000270.KS,
277810.KQ,
389500.KQ,
058610.KQ,
108490.KQ,
060280.KQ,
XBI,
KOSDAQ,
KOSDAQ secondary battery,
KOSDAQ semiconductor equipment/materials
