Key facts
- Samsung Electronics led the global DRAM market in Q1 2026 with a 38% revenue share.
- SK hynix held the second position with a 29% market share.
- Micron Technology secured the third spot with a 22% share.
- The South Korean stock market opened lower on Friday, influenced by U.S. tech sector declines.
- The KOSPI index fell 1.71% in early trading.
Samsung Electronics maintained its leading position in the global DRAM market during the first quarter of 2026, capturing 38% of revenue share and extending its lead over competitor SK hynix. SK hynix secured the second spot with 29% of the market, followed by Micron Technology Inc. at 22%.
Meanwhile, South Korean stocks opened lower on Friday, mirroring losses in the U.S. tech sector and following a significant rally the previous day. Investors expressed concerns over the valuation of artificial intelligence-related shares and the possibility of a Federal Reserve interest rate hike. The benchmark Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) fell 1.71% to 8,777.9 as of 9:15 a.m., after spiking 5.42% on Thursday.
Overnight, U.S. stocks closed mixed. The S&P 500 dipped 0.01%, and the Nasdaq composite declined 0.46%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average edged up 0.14%. These movements were influenced by investor skepticism regarding large-scale AI investments and their profitability, alongside data showing a 4.1% rise in U.S. consumer prices in May, which fueled rate hike expectations.