AI supply chain stocks rally Asian markets to record highs after Intel forecast
Updated
Updated · Reuters · Apr 26
AI supply chain stocks rally Asian markets to record highs after Intel forecast
17 articles · Updated · Reuters · Apr 26
Intel's strong revenue forecast triggered a surge in AI supply chain stocks, pushing Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan markets to new records on Monday.
SK Hynix reported a fivefold quarterly profit increase, Samsung projected an eightfold jump to $38 billion, and TSMC posted its eighth consecutive quarter of double-digit growth.
The rally follows last week's record-breaking earnings for Asian chipmakers and comes amid stalled U.S.-Iran talks, continued disruption in Middle East oil exports, and anticipation of hyperscaler earnings later this week.
Can the AI boom's productivity gains prevent the global stagflation threatened by soaring oil prices?
Beyond oil, which critical supply chains for food and mining are most at risk from the Hormuz closure?
As tech giants burn billions on AI, is the chip stock rally an unsustainable bubble?
Can Japan's central bank raise rates to fight inflation without triggering a government debt crisis?
How will the AI-driven memory shortage impact the price of your next smartphone and PC?
With memory chips a critical bottleneck, what is the tech industry’s Plan B for scaling AI?
Oil Surges Past $107 Amid U.S.-Iran Deadlock; AI Chip Sector’s Record Profits Contrast Economic Uncertainty
Overview
The collapse of U.S.-Iran peace talks in late April 2026 triggered a sharp surge in oil prices, driven by Iran's ongoing threat to block the vital Strait of Hormuz. This led to costly shipping reroutes and soaring insurance premiums, pushing up global energy and goods prices. The eurozone faced a significant inflation spike, intensifying fears of stagflation and humanitarian risks. Meanwhile, the AI chip sector defied these challenges, reporting record profits fueled by massive global investment in AI infrastructure, despite supply chain constraints. This divergence shaped fragmented market responses, with U.S. tech markets showing resilience while Asian economies and business confidence in Australia weakened amid rising energy costs.