Semiconductor shares jump on AI demand and strong sales outlook
Updated
Updated · stockstory.org · May 8
Semiconductor shares jump on AI demand and strong sales outlook
10 articles · Updated · stockstory.org · May 8
Himax rose 10.6%, Penguin Solutions 11.7%, AMD 9.9%, KLA 6.5% and Power Integrations 1% in afternoon trading.
The rally followed forecasts that global semiconductor sales will top $1 trillion this year as AI infrastructure and data-centre spending accelerate.
ChipMOS reported April revenue up 32.2% year on year, while manufacturers including Advanced Semiconductor Engineering are expanding capacity for high-performance computing chips amid a broader sector surge.
As AI threatens traditional software, which niche sectors could become the unexpected safe havens for investors?
With AI automating jobs, what new 'Superjobs' will emerge and who is best positioned to capture them?
Can our power grids and water supply actually sustain AI's explosive growth, or is an infrastructure crisis inevitable?
Semiconductor Stocks Surge 162% in 12 Months as Software Sector Faces Worst Selloff Since 2008
Overview
In May 2026, semiconductor stocks soared to record highs driven by a surge in AI infrastructure demand, with Intel's deal to manufacture chips for Apple sparking a significant stock rally. This boom was fueled by CPU shortages and rising chip prices, attracting substantial investor inflows into tech hardware ETFs. Meanwhile, software stocks faced a sharp selloff as fears grew that AI would disrupt traditional subscription models, exemplified by ServiceNow's stock plunge despite solid earnings. The broader market reflected this split, with major indices hitting new highs supported by chipmakers, while software struggled under pressure from evolving business models and high interest rates. Additionally, rising cybersecurity concerns emerged due to autonomous AI-driven threats, highlighting the complex challenges in the AI era.