AI Demand Boosts Samsung, Ross, and Coinbase

Samsung Electronics has announced plans to return up to $79.5 billion to shareholders in 2026 through dividends and share buybacks, citing improving conditions in the memory-chip market and rising demand tied to artificial intelligence.

The move comes as AI data centers require large amounts of advanced memory, particularly high-bandwidth memory used alongside powerful GPUs, which has helped lift pricing and profitability across the memory industry.

Ross Stores also reported strong results, with a 13% increase in second-quarter revenue to $6.26 billion, and raised its full-year earnings forecast to around $8.61 to $8.77 per share.

Coinbase rallied as Bitcoin continued its recovery, climbing to its strongest level since late May, with renewed appetite for risk assets after recent bond market turbulence and optimism around potential U.S. cryptocurrency legislation providing support.