Leading technology firms Nvidia Corp, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), and Micron Technology (Micron) saw their stocks surge on Thursday. This significantly uplifts the semiconductor industry, which outpaced the broader market. Investors are particularly interested in placing bets on the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Japanese market.
Synopsys Reaps Benefits from AI and Automation
On another positive note, Synopsys, a chip design software company, saw its stocks rise by 8.7%. This increase followed its prediction of surpassing third-quarter profit expectations. The company credited the expanded use of AI and automation for this favorable development.
Sector Highlights: Key Stock Movements
In the day's trading, Nvidia's shares marked an increase of 5.0%, while the Philadelphia semiconductor index improved by 3.2%. Additionally, Micron's shares rose 4.1% following an announcement that the company would pump as much as 500 billion yen ($3.70 billion) into extreme ultraviolet (EUV) technology in Japan over the coming years. The Japanese government will support this investment.
Japan's Investment Call to Chip Companies Ahead of G7
Japan's President Fumio Kishida urged corporate executives, including those from Micron, Intel Corp, and Taiwan Semiconductor (TSMC), to channel investments into Japan. This call comes before the three-day Group of Seven (G7) summit in Hiroshima. The summit members plan to discuss concerns about China's economic strategies and its amassing of sensitive technology.
AI Emergence as Investment Attractor
Bokeh Capital Partners' Chief Investment Officer, Kim Forrest, attributed Thursday's upswing to the consistent investor attraction towards AI as a groundbreaking technology. This appeal outshines even the recent news from Japan. While the collaborative efforts of nations and corporations to expand capacity is commendable, Forrest pointed out that building new facilities may take time for investors as it significantly drains free cash flow.
Investment Trends: Chips as a Gateway to AI
Forrest, who praised Synopsys' results as an optimistic indicator for the chip industry, also highlighted that investors perceive chips as a tangible means of investing in the burgeoning AI market. As only a few companies are considered the cornerstone for AI, chips are a feasible investment avenue.
Notable Share Movements and Forthcoming Updates
AMD shares also saw a 4.0% rise, while Intel recorded a 2.8% increase. Nvidia, experiencing a significant surge of 116% in 2023, is slated to disclose its quarterly results on May 24. Nvidia and Micron shares reached their highest levels since December 2021 and June 2022, respectively.
Performance Comparison: Chip Sector vs. S&P 500 Indices
Although the chip sector experienced considerable growth, the S&P 500 technology index and the S&P 500 growth index increased by 2.1% and 1.0%, respectively, falling short in comparison.
