ASML Raises 2026 Outlook as AI Chip Demand Lifts Q2 Earnings 
Yaskawa Electric Shares Slide as Weak Profit Overshadows Strong AI Demand 
DOJ Grand Jury Investigates UAW President Shawn Fain Ahead of Union Election 
Australia Flags Child Safety Gaps at Apple, Meta, Google Over Online Sexual Extortion 
UBS Starts CarTrade Tech With Buy Rating, Sees Strong Earnings Growth and ₹4,000 Target 
Apple Sues OpenAI, Former Employees Over Alleged Trade Secret Theft 
Arm Stock Falls After HSBC Downgrade, Citing Limited Near-Term AI Upside 
SK Hynix Soars 13% in Nasdaq Debut After Record $26.5 Billion IPO 
Muji Owner Ryohin Keikaku Stock Soars After Raising Full-Year Earnings Forecast 
BHP Faces Major Port Hedland Strike as Labor Talks Stall Ahead of Production Report 
Stripe, Advent Offer $53 Billion Deal to Acquire PayPal: Reuters 
Stellantis Q2 Vehicle Shipments Rise 10% as North America Drives Growth 
Richemont Q1 Sales Beat Forecast as Cartier Demand Drives Strong Growth 
Samsung to Launch First Yongin Chip Plant by 2029 as South Korea Speeds Up Semiconductor Hub 
Nvidia Tightens AI Chip Sales in Asia With Stricter Customer Approval Process 
SK Hynix Shares Drop After Strong Nasdaq Debut Despite $26 Billion ADR Listing 
SK Hynix Stock Soars as AI Memory Demand Outlook Fuels Chip Rally 
Samsung SDI is reportedly in advanced talks with Tesla to supply energy storage batteries in a deal potentially exceeding 3 trillion won ($2.11 billion), according to South Korean media. The news sparked a surge in Samsung SDI’s stock, which jumped over 8% in early trading.
If finalized, the agreement would mark another significant step by Tesla to diversify its supply chain and reduce reliance on Chinese manufacturers amid ongoing tariffs and geopolitical tensions. In recent months, Tesla has strengthened its ties with South Korean technology giants, securing chip and battery supply deals with Samsung Electronics and LG Energy Solution.
Energy storage batteries—closely related in chemistry to electric vehicle (EV) batteries—are increasingly used to power large facilities such as data centers. South Korean battery producers, including Samsung SDI, have been repurposing their EV battery production lines to meet growing demand for energy storage systems (ESS), especially after the loss of U.S. EV subsidies.
During its October earnings call, Samsung SDI revealed a sharp decline in automotive battery demand from Stellantis, its joint venture partner, prompting a shift in its Indiana-based production lines toward ESS manufacturing. Sources close to the matter told Reuters that Tesla and Samsung SDI are discussing an annual supply volume of about 10 GWh over three years.
While details remain unconfirmed, The Korea Economic Daily reported that the three-year contract could exceed 3 trillion won in value. Tesla has previously acknowledged that its energy storage division faces challenges from rising tariffs and intensified competition, with current supply chains primarily based in China.
As discussions continue, the potential Tesla–Samsung SDI partnership underscores a broader industry trend: Western automakers increasingly turning to South Korea for high-quality, reliable battery solutions to support global clean energy and electrification goals.
