Buy in Fear? CEO Lee Ji-eun of EasyStock on Market Outlook

Talks between Iran and Oman regarding temporary measures for navigation through the Strait of Hormuz have been canceled. CEO Lee Ji-eun stated, "There was a ministerial-level meeting between Iran and Gulf nations. There was talk of temporary measures for navigation through the Strait of Hormuz in relation to this, but it has now been canceled." As market expectations for a decline in international oil prices due to this meeting were dashed, oil price volatility showed signs of increasing even before the market opened.

The US Senate will vote on the Clarity Act, which mandates stablecoin issuers to hold reserves in US Treasury bonds. CEO Lee Ji-eun explained, "If the Clarity Act vote proceeds well, in order to lower international interest rates... stablecoin issuers will hold reserves in Treasury bonds, creating demand for bonds. Then, even if Japan or China sell US bonds, there will be buyers... the virtual asset market and this sector could become more active." While bond demand increase is expected to stabilize interest rates if the bill passes, current analysis suggests a low probability of final enactment given the need for 7 additional Democratic seats (Republicans currently hold 53) and the full parliamentary review process.

The 'AI Infra Summit 2026' event will be held from September 15th to 17th. CEO Lee Ji-eun reported, "There's also an event called the AI Infra Summit 2026. It will be held from the 15th to the 17th, and all the companies we know will participate. The CEO of Intel is even said to be speaking." Various AI infrastructure-related topics, including AI hardware, data centers, and semiconductor operating systems, are scheduled to be discussed at this summit, with key figures such as the Intel CEO expected to participate.

At 3 AM KST on Thursday, September 17th, the US Federal Reserve (Fed)'s interest rate decision will be announced. CEO Lee Ji-eun emphasized, "Our domestic investors should pay attention to 3 AM on Thursday, September 17th. The interest rate decision will be made. The meeting results will be released at 3 AM, and Jerome Powell's press conference will take place at 3:30 AM." The market's attention is focused on Jerome Powell's press conference scheduled for 3:30 AM. Additionally, a series of major events, including the Bank of Japan (BOJ) monetary policy meeting and US investment projects, are scheduled for the 18th, which is expected to increase market volatility.

Recent arguments for slowing down AI development have raised concerns about a potential negative impact on market sentiment. The uncontrollability of AI technology and security risks are cited as reasons for this slowdown. CEO Lee Ji-eun interpreted, "Opinions are divided regarding the AI slowdown. Some view it as a move to minimize stock price volatility and market fluctuations. It could also be seen as an advertising effect to show how powerful our AI is, as Anthropic is preparing for an IPO." She analyzed that it is time to consider strategic aspects of companies, such as Anthropic's IPO. This could also be seen as a move to minimize short-term market fluctuations and seek long-term development of the AI industry. However, market opinions are divided, and investors need to make cautious judgments.

As of the previous day, one thematic stock with a market capitalization of 150 billion won recorded an operating loss of 1.2 billion won and a net loss of 3.4 billion won, revealing a lack of performance. CEO Lee Ji-eun advised, "For those who hold thematic stocks, I recommend aiming for a rise like today and realizing profits to exit. I believe the market sentiment could dramatically change after the FOMC and midterm elections this week, so securing cash from stocks that allow it is not a bad idea right now." This suggests that a strategy of securing cash is effective in preparation for market volatility before and after the FOMC and midterm elections.

Jusung Engineering, a company specializing in front-end deposition equipment, relies on growth expectations from new equipment rather than current performance. CEO Lee Ji-eun pointed out, "For new approaches, Jusung Engineering does have very high volatility. And performance is not a major keyword for the company right now. So, what you need to remember is that while there are growth expectations for new equipment, performance is lacking, and there could be high volatility if you buy now." This stock is deemed unsuitable for investors who prefer slow, blue-chip stocks, but suitable for those who favor dynamic volatility. It is crucial to be aware of the lack of performance and high volatility and to approach the investment according to one's investment style.

CEO Lee Ji-eun stated, "Ultimately, as geopolitical risks are deepening like this, demand for weapons will inevitably rise, and in that case, Korean companies can sufficiently benefit. There was also a report this morning saying that the trend of expanding demand for weapons will accelerate." The MOU signing schedule for the US investment project on September 18th is also noteworthy. The shipbuilding industry requires portfolio rebalancing from a long-term perspective, while nuclear power stocks were identified as a sector expected to show excellent performance within a year.

CEO Lee Ji-eun stated, "I expect over 50% in a year. For nuclear power, if a 'sell-on' situation occurs around September 18th, consider buying on the dip. You might not even need to wait a full year. I would most highly recommend Doosan Enerbility." Doosan Enerbility (Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction) was recommended as the leading nuclear power stock. Doosan Enerbility is positioned to benefit from both US and Korean design technologies, and analysis suggests that a long-term investment strategy through buying at low points is effective if a 'sell-on' phenomenon occurs around the September 18th schedule.

Despite concerns about large-cap stocks due to issues like prepaid electricity fees, analysis suggests that AI demand remains robust. CEO Lee Ji-eun explained, "Demand for AI is still overflowing, and Microsoft also talked about tripling their data centers this time. Looking at these aspects, I believe the money keeps coming in... the numbers. So, for this third quarter, with Micron's earnings starting from September 30th, I think the earnings announcement needs to act as a trigger." Microsoft's plan to triple data centers and Oracle's earnings announcement have proven AI demand, and attention is now focused on whether Micron's earnings announcement on September 30th will serve as a trigger for a shift in market sentiment.

CEO Lee Ji-eun said, "Hyundai Mobis has fallen too much, and honestly, right now, it's true that the support line it should have held has been broken." The situation suggests that the monthly chart could open up to the 375,000 won level, and while there is momentum from mass production of actuators, its investment attractiveness has decreased compared to small and mid-cap stocks. She recommends reducing holdings if support breaks, emphasizing a cautious approach.

It was pointed out that LG Display, despite being incorporated into robot-related stocks, lacks significant upward momentum. CEO Lee Ji-eun analyzed, "For LG Display, looking at the weekly chart, the elasticity certainly seems lower. So, while further decline may be limited, it might be regrettable to hold it just for that reason." She assessed that despite potential limitations in chart decline due to a lack of major beneficiary issues, the slow recovery makes it less attractive for investment when considering opportunity costs over time.

CEO Lee Ji-eun pointed out, "It's been too long since SKC said they would commercialize glass substrates. The market is not sure about that trust." Although there has been recent buying, it is difficult to confirm a trend reversal. Investors need to carefully decide on a short-term profit realization or medium-to-long-term holding strategy.

I think these areas, including semiconductors, could offer good opportunities." She particularly emphasized the need for continued interest in power-related data center keywords, as well as the AI infrastructure and ESS sectors. She stressed the importance of closely monitoring market trends linked to semiconductors and exploring new investment opportunities.