Micron Technology Inc. (NASDAQ:MU) and Sandisk Corp. (NASDAQ:SNDK) stocks jumped Monday as investors returned to memory and storage stocks following last week’s sharp selloff.
The rally came as technology stocks led a broader market recovery. The Nasdaq gained 1.04%, while the S&P 500 rose 0.41%. The technology sector climbed 1.30%.
Investors Return After Sharp Selloff
Micron and Sandisk came under heavy selling pressure last week as investors questioned the sustainability of the AI-driven memory boom.
The stocks fell sharply amid concerns over Chinese competition, rising financing costs and the outlook for AI infrastructure spending.
However, Monday’s rebound suggests some investors viewed the pullback as a buying opportunity.
Easing oil prices and a broader recovery in technology shares also supported sentiment.
Chinese Competition Fears Ease
Concerns surrounding ChangXin Memory Technologies, or CXMT, also showed signs of easing.
The Chinese chipmaker recently announced advances in memory technology, raising fears that it could eventually challenge established suppliers.
However, analysts have questioned whether the technology can achieve commercial production at scale.
The uncertainty has helped temper fears of an immediate competitive threat, although China’s expanding memory industry remains a longer-term risk.
AI Demand Supports Memory Outlook
Meanwhile, investors are refocusing on strong demand for memory and storage products used in AI data centers.
Micron benefits from tight supplies of high-bandwidth memory, or HBM, which supports advanced AI processors.
Sandisk, meanwhile, stands to benefit from demand for enterprise solid-state drives as AI applications generate larger volumes of data.
Roundhill Investments CEO Dave Mazza recently said AI demand is pushing memory suppliers toward longer-term customer agreements, improving revenue visibility.
He also noted that memory supplies are effectively committed through 2026 and into 2027, even as higher interest rates and Chinese competition pressure investor sentiment.
Bernstein Sees Buying Opportunity
Bernstein analyst Mark Newman also remains optimistic about the sector following the recent pullback.
Newman recently said demand remains “extremely strong” across DRAM, NAND flash memory, and hard drives.
However, he cautioned that memory price increases are no longer accelerating, suggesting that some of the industry’s pricing momentum may be moderating.
The outlook highlights a key challenge for memory stocks. While AI demand continues to support growth, investors must weigh that strength against slowing price increases and the possibility of greater competition.
Despite last week’s declines, Micron shares have gained nearly 220% in 2026, while Sandisk has surged about 490%.
Key ETFs
Investors can also gain exposure to the memory industry through exchange-traded funds.
The Roundhill Memory ETF (BATS:DRAM) and Tema Memory ETF (NYSE:DISK) both hold Micron and Sandisk, offering broader exposure to memory and storage companies.
Price Action: SanDisk shares were up 7.56% at $1397.55 and Micron Technology shares were up 5.13% at $923.93 at the time of publication on Monday, according to Benzinga Pro data.
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