What is the ex‑dividend date and record date, and how will they affect short‑term trading activity?

Ex‑dividend and record dates (inferred)

The press release for Amkor Technology (AMKR) does not list the exact dates, but typical dividend announcements for quarterly payouts follow a standard schedule: the ex‑dividend date is set 2–3 business days before the record date, and the record date is usually 5–7 business days after the announcement. For a quarterly dividend announced in early May, you can expect the ex‑dividend date to fall around the middle of the month (e.g., May 14‑16) and the record date a few days later (e.g., May 18‑20). Verify the exact dates on the company’s investor‑relations page or the exchange’s dividend calendar before executing trades.

Trading implications

- Short‑term buying pressure: The ex‑dividend date typically triggers a modest influx of buyers who need to own the stock by that date to receive the dividend. Expect modest upward pressure on the price leading up to the ex‑date, especially if AMKR’s dividend yield is attractive relative to peers.

- Post‑ex price adjustment: On the ex‑dividend day the stock will generally open ≈ the dividend amount lower (or slightly more, accounting for market sentiment). If the dividend is modest (e.g., $0.10–$0.15 per share), the price dip will be small but can be magnified by low‑volume days.

- Technical set‑up: Look for a short‑term bullish pattern (e.g., a cup‑and‑handle or a tight consolidation) that can be exploited for a post‑ex “sell‑the‑dividend” trade. Enter a long position a day or two before the ex‑date, aiming for a quick exit at the open on the ex‑div day, capturing the price drift without holding the dividend‑qualified position. If the stock is near a resistance level, consider a partial profit‑taking before the ex‑date to lock in gains, then re‑enter on the ex‑div day if the price rebounds after the temporary dip.

Actionable take‑away: Confirm the exact ex‑dividend and record dates from AMKR’s official release. If you are a short‑term trader, accumulate a modest position (1‑2% of your portfolio) a day or two before the ex‑date to capture any pre‑ex rally, then liquidate on the ex‑dividend day to avoid the predictable price drop. If the stock is already in a tight range, a “sell‑the‑dividend” play can deliver a clean, low‑risk return; just watch for any broader market news that could offset the dividend‑driven move.