US Big Tech companies Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, and Apple along with SK Hynix are scheduled to report earnings during the week of July 27-31, while the Federal Reserve holds its monetary policy meeting on July 28-29. The confluence of earnings reports, US monetary policy decisions, and trade issues is expected to cause significant stock market volatility this week. Market focus centers on whether AI ecosystem expansion is translating into corporate earnings and whether related investments will continue to expand. The previous week of July 20-24 saw South Korea's KOSPI index fluctuate sharply between 6500 and 7000 points amid concerns over AI investment overheating, heightened Middle East tensions, and surges in international oil prices and US Treasury yields.
Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, Apple, and SK Hynix Report Earnings
Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, and Apple are scheduled to announce earnings results this week. SK Hynix will release tentative earnings on the 29th. Investor attention focuses on whether profits increased, whether earnings-based AI investment will continue, and whether expanded capital expenditures are connecting to actual results.
Lee Kyung-min, researcher at Daishin Securities, stated "Alphabet's earnings announcement confirming robust AI demand is likely to be a positive leading indicator for this earnings season," adding "the 2027 operating profit consensus for the securities market semiconductor sector is being revised upward again, so stock price corrections can be used as opportunities to increase positions."
Lee Jae-won, researcher at Yuanta Securities, said "If hyperscalers' capital expenditure guidance is raised upward and SK Hynix's surprise earnings announcement and shareholder return policies are confirmed, the index could rebound."
Federal Reserve Holds FOMC Meeting July 28-29
The Federal Open Market Committee meeting is scheduled for July 28-29. While a base rate freeze is highly likely, the key question is what judgment the Federal Reserve will present regarding inflation amid recently reignited Middle East regional conflicts.
Kim Yu-mi, economist at Kiwoom Securities, stated "Recent inflation indicators continue their slowdown trend, so the Fed is likely to confirm oil price and inflation trends rather than rush policy changes," projecting "this FOMC will be an event that continues monetary policy uncertainty rather than presenting a clear policy direction."
US Confirms 10-12.5% Tariffs on 60 Trading Partners
The US administration strengthened trade barriers against various countries on the 23rd. The Donald Trump administration confirmed tariffs of 10-12.5% on 60 trading partners based on Section 301 of trade law. This measure came after the effect of the 10% global tariff under Section 122 of trade law expired. Future tariff negotiation processes with the US are expected to impact markets.
Leverage ETF Minimum Deposit Increases to 30 Million Won on July 31
Starting on the 31st, the basic deposit for leverage ETFs using Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix as underlying assets will increase from the existing 10 million won to 30 million won. As the investment entry barrier rises, funds flowing into related ETFs may decrease in the short term. However, financial authorities expect this measure to ease the phenomenon of leverage fund concentration in specific stocks.
Analysts Recommend Defensive Investment Strategy
Securities firms are recommending defensive investment strategies. Kim Joo-yeon, researcher at Mirae Asset Securities, stated "Global defense demand is expanding due to Middle East regional tensions, raising expectations for increased orders for domestic defense companies," presenting Hanwha Aerospace, LIG Nex1, Hyundai Rotem, and Hanwha Systems as stocks of interest. Kim advised that bio-healthcare and high-dividend stocks could also be relatively stable investment destinations in highly volatile markets.
FAQ
Q: What major earnings reports are scheduled for the week of July 27-31?
A: Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, and Apple are scheduled to announce earnings results this week. SK Hynix will release tentative earnings on the 29th.
Q: When is the Federal Reserve's FOMC meeting scheduled?
A: The Federal Open Market Committee meeting is scheduled for July 28-29. While a base rate freeze is highly likely, the key question is what judgment the Federal Reserve will present regarding inflation amid recently reignited Middle East regional conflicts.
Q: What tariff action did the US confirm on the 23rd?
A: The Donald Trump administration confirmed tariffs of 10-12.5% on 60 trading partners based on Section 301 of trade law on the 23rd. This measure came after the effect of the 10% global tariff under Section 122 of trade law expired.
