Samsung Electronics announced plans for a record shareholder payout after robust demand for AI memory chips significantly boosted its cash generation, while Bitcoin recorded its strongest weekly rally in more than two years.
AI memory surge drives Samsung to record returns
Samsung disclosed on Friday that it aims to return between 90 trillion and 110 trillion won, or approximately $64.5 billion to $78.9 billion, to shareholders in 2026. This projected distribution would be about five times higher than the company’s previous annual record and reflects surging profit from memory chips driven by artificial intelligence technology demand.
The announcement came immediately after SK Hynix revealed a buyback and cancellation of 40 trillion won worth of shares, and raised its own shareholder return policy to at least 50% of cumulative free cash flow between 2025 and 2027.
Samsung’s current policy for 2024 through 2026 states it will return 50% of free cash flow to investors, with 9.8 trillion won earmarked annually for dividends. The company also plans to spend more than 110 trillion won in 2026 on facility expansions and research and development, focusing on advanced semiconductor technologies.
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AAPLKim Dong-won, head of research at KB Securities, stated that Samsung’s free cash flow is rapidly increasing amid escalating demand for AI-driven memory products. He noted future valuation potential may increasingly hinge on how Samsung allocates surplus cash.
Kim Dong-won pointed out that the resurgence in Samsung’s free cash flow is tied directly to the AI-memory boom, suggesting future valuation will depend on how the company directs these growing resources.
Bitcoin’s powerful rally accelerates
Bitcoin climbed nearly 22% for the week, trading close to $77,169 and achieving its strongest weekly performance since 2024. Multiple factors supported the rally, including the US Treasury’s move to ramp up buybacks of longer-duration debt, which initially drove bond yields lower and channeled capital toward riskier assets like cryptocurrencies.
Market sentiment was further lifted as President Donald Trump urged Congress to approve legislation establishing clear regulatory guidelines for cryptocurrencies. The bill is scheduled for a procedural vote on September 15.
Fundstrat reported that over $1.2 billion in Bitcoin short positions were liquidated during the rally, forcing a wave of short covering that fueled upward momentum. The gains also triggered strong advances in crypto-linked equities; Robinhood shares increased 13%, Coinbase rose 7.9%, and Strategy climbed 6.2% during the period.
Analysts identified robust investor interest in spot and exchange-traded funds as another driver, though several cautioned that a sustained move above $70,000 may be needed to confirm longer-lasting upside potential.
Analysts noted that Bitcoin’s impressive rally was supported by ETF inflows and strong spot demand, but warned that maintaining levels above $70,000 will be key for continued strength.
In a landscape where sudden decisions by the Federal Reserve or last-minute altcoin listings can alter crypto prices within seconds, many investors have turned to privacy-centric platforms like CryptoAppsy. These tools allow traders to access real-time charts, smart price alerts, curated coin news, and critical macroeconomic data all in one place, streamlining their market analysis without requiring account creation.
Oil and metals benefit from geopolitical tensions
Brent crude advanced 0.76% to $94.49 per barrel, with West Texas Intermediate up 0.33% to $87.12. For the week, Brent rose over 6% and WTI more than 5%, as traders responded to mounting supply risks linked to escalating tensions between the US and Iran.
President Trump threatened tough sanctions on Iran’s trade partners, and Iranian officials warned of severe retaliatory measures. Shipping through the critical Strait of Hormuz remained highly constrained, with Kpler reporting only seven commodity vessels passing through on Thursday, lower than the previous day. However, increased output from US shale, pipelines, and other sources eased some supply pressure.
Gold reaches new heights on policy shifts
Gold surged 2.4% to $4,623.94 an ounce, peaking at $4,631.99, its highest mark since May 15. The metal logged its third straight weekly increase, climbing more than 5% over the period. A softer US dollar and shifting expectations around Federal Reserve policy supported the rally.
The price broke above its 200-day moving average of $4,513, a level commonly watched by technical traders. TD Securities’ global head of commodity strategy Bart Melek attributed gold’s run to both technical momentum and currency weakness. Goldman Sachs highlighted renewed interest in gold call options and its role in hedging against macroeconomic and policy risks. Silver, platinum, and palladium also notched gains during the week.
