Google Declares Expanded AI Investment... Foreigners Net Buy KOSPI for Second Straight Week

Google's parent company, Alphabet, announced plans to significantly increase its investment in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. In the early hours of the 23rd (Korean time), Alphabet revealed its plan to increase investment during its second-quarter earnings announcement. NH Investment & Securities researcher Lee Sang-jun stated that as the expansionary stance for facility investment is confirmed, the momentum for the KOSPI's rise could grow once again.

Last week, foreign investors recorded net buying for the second consecutive week despite the KOSPI's volatility. Foreigners net purchased 2.3317 trillion won on the KOSPI last week. During the same period, institutions net sold 2.7992 trillion won.

News emerged that U.S. President Donald Trump discussed a large-scale attack on Iran. Consequently, Brent crude futures, the international benchmark for oil prices, surpassed the $100 mark for the first time in two months.

SK Hynix’s American Depositary Receipts (ADR) plunged 8.81%. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index fell 4.25%. Mirae Asset Securities managing director Seo Sang-young analyzed that this trend reflects a stronger hedging character in preparation for increased short-term volatility rather than a negative outlook on the AI cycle.