Tech Sector Developments - A framework deal has been reached for an Oracle-led consortium to acquire approximately 80% of TikTok's U.S. operations, with Beijing's approval for Oracle to manage U.S. user data in Texas [3][8] - China is making strides towards semiconductor self-sufficiency, with Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC) trialing domestically built advanced AI chipmaking equipment [4][8] - Taiwan has added Chinese tech firms Inspur, Nettrix, and Suma to its export blacklist, highlighting ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting global supply chains [5][8] U.S. Housing Market Insights - The U.S. housing market is experiencing a surge in new home inventory, reaching 121,000 unsold constructed homes in July, the highest level since before the Great Recession in 2009, indicating weak demand [6][8] - High prices and elevated mortgage rates are contributing to buyer unease and a significant number of canceled home purchases [6][8] Currency and Macroeconomic Trends - The U.S. dollar has approached its lowest level since March 2022, reflecting shifts in global currency dynamics influenced by changing interest rate expectations [7][8] - The People's Bank of China (PBOC) has lowered the USD/CNY fix to 7.1013, signaling an intent to strengthen the yuan [10][8] Asian Markets and Financing - Chinese internet firms Tencent and Baidu are raising record funds in Hong Kong's dim sum bond market, with Tencent raising 9 billion yuan ($1.27 billion) and Baidu securing 4.4 billion yuan ($618 million) to support AI initiatives [9][8] - Japan has issued ¥3.2 trillion in Treasury discount bills to address short-term funding needs, while Japanese Government Bonds remain stable [10][8] International Trade Developments - U.S. Trade Representative met with South Korea's trade minister to discuss a bilateral trade deal involving a $350 billion investment package and tariff reductions on Korean autos [11][8] - Australia has committed $735 million for biofuels development, indicating a focus on green energy investments [11][8] Airline Industry Expansion - China Eastern Airlines is launching a new Shanghai-Buenos Aires route via Auckland, marking one of the world's longest direct flights at approximately 29 hours [12][8]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a positive outlook on the AI-PCB industry chain, indicating strong demand and growth potential [1][4]. Core Insights - The release of the Grok-4 series model by xAI is expected to drive demand in the AI-PCB sector, with significant increases in computational resources and capabilities compared to previous models [1]. - TSMC reported a revenue of NT$263.79 billion in June, a year-on-year increase of 26.9%, indicating robust AI demand [1]. - The report highlights the anticipated rapid shipment of GB200 and GB300 products in the second half of the year, with strong orders from multiple AI-PCB companies [1][4]. - The semiconductor industry is experiencing a shift towards domestic production and self-sufficiency due to geopolitical factors and export controls [24]. Summary by Sections 1. Industry Overview - The AI-PCB industry is witnessing a demand resonance, with many companies experiencing strong orders and full production capacity [4]. - The report emphasizes the importance of focusing on performance growth in the first half of the year, particularly in AI-PCB and core computing hardware sectors [4]. 2. Segment Insights 2.1 Consumer Electronics - The launch of Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold7 is noted, with a recommendation to focus on the Apple supply chain due to favorable tariff conditions [5][6]. 2.2 PCB - The PCB industry is maintaining a high level of prosperity, driven by demand from automotive and industrial control sectors, alongside AI growth [7]. 2.3 Components - The report indicates a continued upward trend in the component sector, with AI applications driving demand for higher specifications in electronic components [19]. 2.4 IC Design - The storage segment is expected to see price increases due to supply constraints and rising demand from cloud computing and consumer electronics [21]. 2.5 Semiconductor Equipment and Materials - The report highlights the ongoing trend of domestic substitution in the semiconductor equipment sector, with a focus on advanced packaging and HBM production [24][27]. 3. Key Companies - Companies such as Huadian, North Huachuang, and Jiangfeng Electronics are highlighted for their strong growth prospects in the AI and semiconductor sectors [33][34][37]. - The report suggests that these companies are well-positioned to benefit from the ongoing trends in AI and domestic production [34][36].