While major securities firms are raising target prices for Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, betting on continued strength in the semiconductor sector, individual investors have sold a net 11 trillion won worth of the stocks, signaling divergence between institutional optimism and retail caution.
Analysts cite robust demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and AI chips as drivers for further upside. However, retail investors appear to be locking in profits amid concerns over peak earnings and elevated valuations.
The contrast highlights a classic tug-of-war: Wall Street sees more room to run, while Main Street takes money off the table.