The memory chip sector declined despite Samsung Electronics reporting a 15-fold jump in quarterly chip profit. [2] Investors sold off shares as the company's outlook and shareholder-return plans lagged the more optimistic announcements from rival SK Hynix a day earlier. [2, 15] After a massive rally in 2026, the sector is sensitive to any signs of moderating growth, and Samsung's more conservative forecast for the ongoing chip shortage disappointed lofty investor expectations. [1, 2]