Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment

Within the AI data center supply chain, memory and storage are irreplaceable. AI accelerators require high-bandwidth memory to transfer data, while training and inference systems rely on high-capacity DRAM and enterprise SSDs to store models, data, and intermediate results. Among key players, Micron (MU) maintains a presence across DRAM, HBM, and NAND, whereas SanDisk (SNDK) places its main bet on NAND flash memory and enterprise data center storage. While both companies benefit from AI storage demand, what investors ultimately need to determine is whether the better allocation choice is a diversified platform or a pure-play NAND cyclical stock offering higher elasticity.

TradingKey - As demand for AI compute expands from model training to inference and AI agent applications, major cloud service providers are accelerating the deployment of custom AI chips such as ASICs, driving demand growth across chip design, advanced process technology, and packaging and testing.

TradingKey - For long-term investors in U.S. stocks, both the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq 100 cover large U.S. companies such as Apple (AAPL), Microsoft (AMZN), and Nvidia (NVDA). However, there are clear differences in sector allocation, long-term returns, and risk profiles—so which of these two indices is the better investment?

TradingKey - Following the announcement of the Federal Reserve's September interest rate decision, US stocks fell in response. So why do Fed rate hikes lead to a decline in US equities?

TradingKey - As AI chips demand higher computing power, bandwidth, and energy efficiency, advanced packaging is becoming a crucial component in enhancing chip system performance. Solutions such as CoWoS, Chiplet design, and 3D stacking can boost bandwidth and system performance through higher-density chip integration.

TradingKey - On September 28, Eastern Time, Nvidia (NVDA) shares bucked the trend and gained amid broader pressure on technology stocks, driven primarily by its newly announced massive stock buyback plan. On September 28, Nvidia announced that its board of directors approved an additional $150 billion for its existing share repurchase authorization, bringing the remaining buyback capacity to $235 billion. The company plans to execute the program by the end of fiscal year 2028, marking the largest buyback in U.S. stock market history. Following the announcement, Nvidia rose 1.68% on the day to close at $228.86, touching an intraday high of $233.21, while the Nasdaq Index fell 0.92% over the same period, demonstrating that the buyback news provided clear independent support for the stock.