[Edaily Reporter Kim Kyung-eun ] In pre-market trading on the 15th, major semiconductor stocks such as SamsungElectronics and SK hynix are plummeting. This is interpreted as a result of concerns over a resurgence in inflation spreading after the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) came in above market expectations.

As of 8:35 a.m. today on the Nextrade (NXT) pre-market, SamsungElectronics(005930)is trading at 216,500 won, down 6.68% from the previous trading day. SK hynix(000660)is also down 8.10% at 1,304,000 won.

Semiconductor-related stocks are also uniformly weak. SamsungElectroMechanics(009150)is trading at 1,246,000 won, down 9.32%. SKSQUARE(402340)is also down 8.92% to 776,000 won.

In addition, top KOSPI market-cap stocks such as HyundaiMotor(005380)(-4.78%), DOOSAN ENERBILITY(034020)(-6.77%), HANWHA AEROSPACE(012450)(-4.39%), and HD HYUNDAI HEAVY INDUSTRIES(329180)(-5.28%) are all on a downward trend.

The widening losses among major stocks are attributed to the U.S. September CPI data released overnight, which exceeded market expectations. The September CPI rose 3.7% year-over-year, surpassing the market forecast of 3.6%. The core CPI also rose 2.6%, exceeding the forecast of 2.5%. Analysts attribute this to concerns that inflationary pressures could intensify again, dampening investor sentiment toward risky assets.

In addition, concerns about the profitability of investments in the artificial intelligence (AI) industry fueled the sell-off. Market research firm Gartner projected that while AI infrastructure investment will reach approximately $7 trillion between 2026 and 2030, AI revenue related to data centers will remain below $3.6 trillion. This has led to growing skepticism about whether massive capital expenditures will actually translate into profits.

There are forecasts that the domestic stock market may also face additional downward pressure in the short term. However, given the recent sharp declines, there is also the possibility that the losses could narrow due to bargain-hunting.

Han Ji-young, an analyst at KIWOOM Securities, said, “The domestic stock market is expected to open lower due to the U.S. September CPI exceeding market expectations and the sharp simultaneous decline in U.S. AI infrastructure stocks, which are exposed to profitability concerns.” She added, “However, the market is likely to narrow its losses as technical buying flows in following seven consecutive trading days of sharp declines and as investors digest TSMC’s earnings announcement scheduled for later in the session.”