Meta and Samsung Fuel AI Capex Boom, Keeping Risk Sentiment Alive

WikiFX

| 2026-01-29 15:40

Abstract：Meta Platforms and Samsung Electronics delivered blockbuster earnings driven by AI demand, signaling that the 'AI Supercycle' remains the dominant driver of equity flows despite macro headwinds.

Despite the looming specter of geopolitical conflict and a fractured Federal Reserve, the “American Exceptionalism” trade found fresh fuel in Q4 earnings from tech giants Meta Platforms and Samsung Electronics. The results confirmed that the Artificial Intelligence infrastructure build-out is accelerating, providing a critical floor for global equity sentiment and the US Dollar.

Key Data Snapshot

Meta Platforms surged 11% on $59.89B revenue.
Capex projection raised to $135 billion by 2026.
Samsung Electronics operating profit soared 209% YoY.

The Capex King

Meta shares surged over 11% in after-hours trading after smashing revenue expectations ($59.89B) and raising guidance. Crucially for the broader market, Mark Zuckerberg announced a staggering increase in capital expenditure (Capex), projecting up to $135 billion in spending by 2026—nearly double the previous year's investment.

This aggressive spending plan is a direct injection of liquidity into the semiconductor and hardware supply chain, validating the “AI Capex” trade that has powered the Nasdaq 100.

Semiconductor Validation

Across the Pacific, Samsung Electronics reported a record-breaking quarter, with operating profit soaring 209% year-over-year. The South Korean giant regained the top spot in the DRAM market, driven by insatiable demand for HBM (High Bandwidth Memory) chips used in AI accelerators.