U.S. stock night market fluctuations: KLA fell 3.31% in the night market, facing dual pressure from changes in AI export structure and Korean companies reducing capital expenditures

U.S. Stock Night Market Movements

KLA fell 3.31% in the night market. Based on recent news,

1. On August 21, the export share of the AI industry chain rose to 22%, with chips becoming China's largest export category for three consecutive years. AI exports are driving changes in China's export structure, shifting from traditional labor-intensive goods to technology and capital-intensive products. The AI industry chain has become a long-term mainstay supporting China's export growth, but there is still external dependence in the core computing power segment. This news negatively impacted KLA's stock price, leading to a 3.31% decline in the night market.

2. On August 21, Capital Economics predicted that the prosperity of South Korea's chip economy may lose momentum by 2028, as the decline in U.S. AI investment enthusiasm could lead South Korean chip manufacturers to cut capital expenditures. Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix announced an investment plan of 80 trillion Korean won, but the timeline has not been disclosed. SK Hynix has already reduced its capital expenditures by two-thirds in 2023. This forecast puts pressure on the overall chip industry, affecting KLA's stock price.

3. On August 21, SK Hynix announced a two-thirds reduction in capital expenditures, further exacerbating market uncertainty about the future of the chip industry, putting pressure on KLA's stock price. The rising export share of the AI industry chain and the pressure on the chip industry.

Stocks with High Trading Volume in the Industry

AXT fell 6.15% in the night market. Based on recent key news:

1. On August 21, AXT faced potential challenges in the semiconductor materials sector. As one of the major manufacturers of indium phosphide, gallium arsenide, and germanium, which have wide applications in semiconductors, management needs to address related challenges, leading to a decline in stock price. The semiconductor industry has been volatile recently and requires attention.

Applied Materials fell 2.75% in the night market. Based on recent key news:

1. On August 21, Applied Materials announced its third-quarter financial report, which exceeded expectations, but the stock price still fell. The company mentioned in the report that despite achieving 13 consecutive quarters of gross margin growth, market concerns about future growth led to a 2.75% decline in stock price. Source: Benzinga

2. On August 21, analysts rated Applied Materials as "Moderate Buy," but it was not included in the top recommended stocks list. The market's focus on other more attractive investment opportunities may have weakened interest in investing in Applied Materials. Source: MarketBeat

3. On August 21, the company stated in its earnings call that despite increased investment in AI infrastructure, market confidence in future growth is insufficient, leading to pressure on the stock price. Source: Company announcement, the semiconductor industry is experiencing strong growth, and AI investment is increasing.

ASML fell 2.14% in the night market. Based on recent key news:

1. On August 23, Soochow Securities suggested paying attention to overseas semiconductor equipment manufacturers, including ASML, due to risks arising from semiconductor industry investments falling short of expectations and the slow progress of domestic equipment localization. Such risks may lead to a decline in investor confidence in ASML, affecting its stock price

2. On August 21, Barclays analyst Simon Coles maintained a buy rating on ASML and set a target price of €2,400.00. Although the rating remains unchanged, market concerns about overall risks in the semiconductor industry may suppress stock performance.

3. On August 21, CITIC Securities pointed out that the market demand for DPU is growing rapidly, and domestic substitution is gradually advancing, which may impact the market share of overseas suppliers such as ASML, thereby affecting their stock prices. The semiconductor industry faces the risk of investment falling short of expectations