Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are expected to post first-quarter results above market expectations, as rising DRAM and NAND prices lift profits. Brokerages estimate Samsung’s operating profit at 41.3 trillion to 45.3 trillion won, and SK Hynix’s at 36.9 trillion to 39.4 trillion won. Samsung is linking foundry and HBM4 advances, while SK Hynix is preparing a U.S. ADR listing and discussing long-term supply contracts.

AI data centre power infrastructure is increasingly likely to shift from alternating current to direct current, as soaring computing demand exposes limits in existing power systems. Multi-stage AC-to-DC conversions cause energy loss, heat and complexity. The industry is turning to high-voltage DC, such as converting 13.8 kV AC to 800V DC, to improve efficiency and cut copper use. Power equipment companies are rolling out DC designs, while supply constraints and demand uncertainty remain.