Equipment and materials stocks offset chipmaker weakness

According to Korea Exchange (KRX) index data, the semiconductor sector posted an 11.4% gain over the period in question despite the downward pressure from the market's two largest chipmakers, Samsung Electronics and SK hynix.

The advance was attributed primarily to the materials, parts and equipment segment, which includes suppliers serving the memory and foundry production chains. Strong performance among these suppliers outweighed the losses recorded by the major device makers, pulling the broader semiconductor index higher.

Heavyweight declines weighed on the sector

Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, which dominate the Korean market's semiconductor weighting, both saw their shares fall over the same period. Their declines would ordinarily drag the sector index down, making the double-digit gain in the index notable.

The precise weightings of individual constituents and the full list of contributing stocks were not detailed in the index data reviewed.

The KRX semiconductor index's 11.4% rise, achieved despite declines at Samsung Electronics and SK hynix thanks to strength in the materials, parts and equipment segment, is Mostly True.