Samsung Share Buybacks Soar as Bitcoin and Oil Prices Surge

Samsung Electronics is poised to return a record amount of cash to its shareholders, thanks in part to strong demand for memory chips driven by the artificial intelligence boom. The company announced that shareholder returns could reach 90 trillion won to 110 trillion won ($64.5 billion to $78.9 billion) in 2026, which would be around five times Samsung's previous annual record.

The potential payout comes as SK Hynix, a major memory chip supplier, has also increased its shareholder-return policy to at least 50% of cumulative free cash flow for 2025-2027. This move is seen as a response to the AI-memory boom, which is driving strong demand and pushing up prices.

In related news, Bitcoin has had its strongest weekly rally in more than two years, rising about 22% for the week and trading near $77,169. The cryptocurrency's gain is attributed to several factors, including the US Treasury's decision to increase longer-duration debt buybacks, which pushed bond yields lower and supported risk-sensitive assets.

Oil prices have also climbed as concerns about supply disruptions continue due to tensions between the US and Iran. Brent crude rose 0.76% to $94.49 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate gained 0.33% to $87.12.