Personal-data leaks and government guidelines are drawing attention to stocks related to cybersecurity and eKYC/IC chips. The report also covers corrections in Japanese and US AI and semiconductor stocks and the performance of the Nikkei 225.
Against a backdrop of declines in US SOX and news of CXMT's new technology, the Nikkei 225 fell sharply, with selling spreading mainly across AI and semiconductor stocks. Reports of CXMT's new technology to increase memory density weighed on the market, while cybersecurity-related stocks also attracted growing attention in Japan.
In South Korea, foreign investors' ownership ratios in Samsung Electronics and SK hynix have declined, with tight supply and demand conditions identified as a focus for future share-price trends. Reports by the Financial Times of downside risks to AI-related revenue forecasts also provided a catalyst for selling in both stocks.
In the US market, Broadcom's CEO expressed concern about excessive speculation in AI investment, and reports said that difficulty in raising funds could become an obstacle to expanding AI infrastructure. This also acted as a selling factor for AI and semiconductor stocks.
In Japan, the Financial Services Agency encouraged a shift to identity verification using IC-chip reading against a backdrop of unauthorized access. Showcase, Flight Solutions, ELEMENTS and Cybertrust were among the stocks attracting attention as eKYC-related names. While the Nikkei 225 is maintaining its medium-term uptrend, a cautious stance without rushing to call a bottom is required.