The Roundhill Memory ETF (DRAM) plummeted 7.43% during intraday trading on Thursday, reflecting a sharp and broad-based decline across the global memory and storage chip sector.

The sell-off was driven by multiple concurrent headwinds. A U.S. International Trade Commission investigation into certain DRAM devices, initiated based on a complaint filed on behalf of Netlist, introduced regulatory uncertainty. Simultaneously, Korean prosecutors raided the local offices of several semiconductor component firms, including Montage Technology, Renesas Electronics, and Rambus, on suspicion of price collusion, further dampening sector sentiment.

Market confidence was also eroded by concerns over the sustainability of AI-driven investment and a downward revision to expectations for third-quarter DRAM price increases. Analysts noted strong customer resistance to proposed price hikes, while commentary from influential investors like Warren Buffett warning about rampant speculation in the AI theme contributed to the negative sentiment. This combination of regulatory actions, supply chain concerns, and demand-side pressures triggered a significant sector-wide retreat.