SK Hynix Crashes 20.6% Below Key Average as AI Chip Trade Splits by Region

SK Hynix shares fell 20.6% below their 20-period moving average in the October 18 Asian session, a sharp technical breakdown for the memory-chip maker that has been one of the biggest beneficiaries of AI-related demand. Japan's Nikkei 225 also wobbled, holding just above support at 63,572.5. Broader Asian equities skidded in the same session. The regional divergence was notable: as Asian chip and tech names sold off, U.S. stock futures climbed into the next session as investors moved back into the AI trade following a recent pullback, and Wall Street and bonds were further helped by a slip in oil prices. The split suggests the AI-stock rotation that has driven markets this year is now moving unevenly across regions and sessions rather than in one direction. What is unresolved is whether the SK Hynix move reflects a stock-specific correction after a steep run-up or signals broader caution about near-term memory-chip demand that could spread to U.S.-listed peers.