Retail investors are increasing their positions in memory and data storage manufacturers, including Western Digital. This activity is driven by expectations that booming AI infrastructure demand will tighten supply and raise prices.
An ongoing global shortage of memory chips is anticipated. Producers face a multi-year backlog as AI and consumer electronics companies compete for limited supplies.
Western Digital recorded nearly $10 million in retail investment inflows during the first two weeks of January 2026. This performance puts the company on track for its most substantial monthly retail inflow since October 2025.
The inflows indicate strong positive sentiment from individual investors. These investors are banking on AI-related growth within the data storage sector.