Key TakeawaysSamsung Electronics shares plummeted 7.8% to ₩330,500 Friday amid a broad technology sector selloff across Korean exchangesInvestor sentiment deteriorated after Apple revealed price hikes for MacBook and iPad products, casting doubt on AI hardware demandAmplified losses occurred through leveraged single-stock ETFs focused on Samsung and SK HynixThe KOSPI index tumbled over 8%, activating its fifth circuit breaker halt in 2026Reports emerged of Samsung preparing a ₩1,000 trillion ($646 billion) decade-long investment strategy covering chips, AI infrastructure, and moreSamsung Electronics shares collapsed 7.8% to close at ₩330,500 Friday, compounding a devastating week that witnessed a single-day decline exceeding 12% just two days earlier on June 23.Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., SMSD.LThe Monday session’s plunge activated the KOSPI’s fourth trading halt of 2026. Friday’s action brought a fifth suspension, with the Korea Exchange implementing a 20-minute freeze beginning around 12:10 p.m. Seoul time as the main index crashed through the 8% decline threshold.The catalyst for Friday’s turmoil originated from Apple, which revealed significant price increases spanning its MacBook and iPad product portfolios, citing elevated memory and component expenses. The announcement shattered confidence among investors banking on a prolonged AI-fueled hardware expansion cycle.Chip manufacturers worldwide absorbed heavy losses. SK Hynix, Samsung’s primary domestic competitor, suffered a parallel decline exceeding 8%, while leveraged ETFs tracking both semiconductor leaders plunged beyond 15%.Leveraged Products Intensified Selling PressureSingle-stock leveraged exchange-traded funds concentrated on Samsung and SK Hynix have emerged as a mounting worry for South Korean financial authorities. Friday’s session validated those concerns as these instruments amplified market movements far beyond what underlying business fundamentals would typically justify.The outcome generated a self-reinforcing cycle of liquidation that punished Samsung more severely than headline developments alone warranted.Japan’s Nikkei 225 index similarly declined in response, demonstrating the velocity at which the selloff propagated throughout the region.Following a substantial rally during the previous twelve months, Friday’s decline partially reflects profit-taking behavior after an impressive advance. Market reversals can accelerate dramatically when investor psychology shifts.Massive $646 Billion Capital Plan Sparks Investor AnxietyThe timing proved particularly unfortunate. Domestic media outlets disclosed this week that Samsung intends to unveil a ₩1,000 trillion ($646 billion) investment blueprint spanning the next ten years — potentially representing the largest corporate capital commitment in South Korean corporate history.The initiative reportedly encompasses semiconductor manufacturing facilities, AI data infrastructure, battery production, and display technology. Approximately ₩300 trillion targets chip fabrication plants in the nation’s southwestern region, while more than ₩350 trillion focuses on AI data centre development.South Korean President Lee Jae Myung plans to convene a national economic presentation on June 29, where Samsung Vice Chairman Jun Young-hyun and SK Hynix CEO Kwak Noh-jung will both outline their respective investment strategies.Rather than embracing the announcement enthusiastically, certain investors interpreted the enormous spending obligation as problematic. Committing hundreds of trillions of won toward infrastructure development during uncertain chip demand conditions represents considerable risk exposure.SK Hynix independently disclosed intentions to secure up to $29.4 billion through a Nasdaq listing of American Depositary Receipts, channeling proceeds toward expanded fabrication plants, advanced packaging operations, and manufacturing equipment.Both declarations arrive as South Korea endeavors to maintain competitive positioning in the worldwide AI and semiconductor landscape amid escalating competition from the United States and China.SK Hynix shares traded down 8.36% at press time, while Samsung recovered slightly to ₩339,500 after trimming earlier losses.The post Samsung Electronics Plunges Nearly 8% Following Apple’s Pricing Announcement appeared first on Blockonomi.