Driven by expectations of expanded investment in global AI data centers, optical communication and optical semiconductor-related stocks showed a broadly strong performance during the trading session on the 9th. As the need for building high-speed network infrastructure gains momentum, strong buying interest is flowing into the overall related theme.

◆ Lykom Surges 24%... Multiple Stocks Post Double-Digit Gains The steepest gain during the morning session was recorded by Lykom, which surged 24.64% from the previous trading day. Daehan Optical Communication rose 10.44% to trade at 11,420 won, and Optoelectronics also recorded a 10.33% increase to reach 5,770 won, with both stocks posting double-digit growth rates.

Stocks showing moderate gains included Bitgwa Electronics (6.54%, 1,776 won), Korea Advanced Materials (6.49%, 1,100 won), and Jaram Technology (5.83%, 21,800 won), while Woorinet (5.15%) and Sungho Electronics (5.14%) also rose by around 5%. These were followed by FiberPro at 4.21%, Bitssam Electronics at 3.62%, Seoul Biosys at 3.36%, TMC at 3.15%, Mercury at 2.80%, Seoul Semiconductor at 1.76%, and RFHIC at 1.62%, respectively. On the other hand, RF Materials was the sole decliner, slipping 0.23%.

◆ AI Data Center Expansion as the Core Momentum The market analyzes that as the expansion of AI data centers and the construction of ultra-high-speed communication networks begin in earnest, expectations are growing for increased demand for optical communication components and optical semiconductors. In particular, the assessment is that as the spread of generative AI services leads to a surge in data transmission volume, the importance of core components such as optical transceivers, optical cables, and optical semiconductors is becoming even greater.

Although the U.S. stock market closed mixed overnight due to heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran, the long-term growth outlook for AI infrastructure investment remained unshaken. This is interpreted as investor sentiment continuing in the domestic market, centered around AI-related optical communication and optical semiconductor stocks.

◆ Expert Caution: "Watch for Volatility Driven by Earnings, Orders, and Industry Conditions" Experts point out that while expectations for expanded AI investment continue, stock price volatility could increase depending on individual stock earnings, order performances, and changes in the global semiconductor industry. Therefore, they advised that it is necessary to simultaneously review company fundamentals and supply-demand dynamics.

[This article was written with the assistance of AI, and the content is based on publicly available data and market information. Some information may change over time, so before making any investment decisions, please be sure to verify official materials such as disclosures from the Korea Exchange and corporate filings. This article is not intended to recommend the purchase or sale of any specific stock or to solicit investment, and the final investment decision and responsibility lie with the reader.]