Ticker

Critics have long pointed to an equity market breadth issue, with a narrow basket of tech giants driving most index returns. While participation improved through the second quarter, the broadening didn't last long – surging energy prices and tightening financial conditions are reversing the course.

Semiconductor ETFs are riding AI-driven demand and rising chip investment, with four funds offering diversified exposure to the industry's next growth phase.

South Korean stocks fell sharply on Thursday as Brent crude held above $100 a barrel, pushing the KOSPI back below the 7,000 mark just a day after it reclaimed the level for the first time in more than a month. The benchmark was down 1.28% at 6,961.23 by late morning in Seoul.

South Korea's demand for power in the coming years is set to surge on plans by chipmakers ​Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix to expand production and the building of new AI data centres, according to the country's energy ‌minister.

Over the last several decades, the S&P 500, Nasdaq Composite, and Dow Jones Industrial Average have averaged negative returns during September. Artificial intelligence (AI) chip stocks had mixed performances during the last three Septembers.