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Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co  continues to benefit from the artificial intelligence wave, posting  strong double-digit sales growth  as global tech giants accelerate investment in AI infrastructure. Strong Monthly Sales Highlight AI Momentum TSMC reported  April revenue of NT$410.7 billion (US$13.1 billion) , representing a  17.5% year-on-year increase . The performance reflects  sustained demand from hyperscalers , which are aggressively expanding AI capabilities. Analysts estimate  Q2 revenue growth of around 35% , indicating continued strength through mid-2026. AI Capex Boom Driving Semiconductor Demand The surge in demand is supported by large-scale spending commitments from leading tech companies, including: Nvidia Advanced Micro Devices Alphabet Amazon Meta Platforms Microsoft These firms are collectively allocating about  US$725 billion toward AI investments this year , significantly boosting demand for  advanced semiconductor...

Taiwan’s equity market has surged past the UK in total value, driven by a powerful  AI-led rally  that continues to attract global capital despite ongoing geopolitical risks. Taiwan Market Cap Hits US$4 Trillion Milestone Taiwan’s stock market capitalization climbed to  US$4.14 trillion , overtaking the UK’s  US$4.09 trillion , making it the  world’s seventh-largest equity market . The rally has been supported by strong gains in the  Taiex Index , which has: Recovered all losses from the Iran conflict Reached  record highs Posted a  16% gain in April alone This marks one of the fastest rebounds among global markets. TSMC Leads AI-Driven Surge The rally has been anchored by  Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co , which recently hit  all-time highs  on the back of: Strong  revenue growth Dominance in the  global AI semiconductor supply chain Taiwan is increasingly viewed as a  pure-play proxy for AI hardware demand , w...

Taiwan Semiconductor  heads into its April 16 earnings with  strong momentum , as booming AI demand continues to drive both  revenue growth and pricing power,  but investors are now focused on whether margins have peaked. Revenue Surge Signals Strong AI Demand TSMC has already reported  Q1 revenue of US$35.7 billion , marking a  35% year-on-year increase  and beating expectations. The growth was driven by: High-performance computing (HPC) , including AI, now contributing  58% of total revenue Price hikes of 5%–10%  on advanced nodes A record  45.2% YoY growth in March revenue , the strongest monthly performance on record This underscores TSMC’s position as a  critical supplier in the global AI supply chain , where demand remains structurally strong. Margins Hit Record Levels, but Risks Emerging TSMC guided  Q1 gross margins at 63%–65% , the highest in its history, supported by strong AI-driven demand and pricing power. However,...

Quick Summary TSMC’s January revenue jumped 37% YoY , beating expectations AI-driven demand  is keeping capacity tight and sales strong Potential US tariff exemptions  could further boost demand from Big Tech Stock is already  up 17% year-to-date What’s Driving TSMC Higher Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co  reported  January revenue of NT$401.6 billion (US$12.7bn) : +20% quarter-on-quarter +37% year-on-year The pace of growth is  ahead of TSMC’s own ~30% full-year growth guidance , reinforcing its central role in the global semiconductor supply chain. AI Demand Keeps Capex Elevated TSMC recently announced: Up to US$56 billion in capex for 2026 , +30% vs last year High investment levels expected for the next three years The spending spree reflects  relentless demand for AI chips , particularly from hyperscalers and data-centre operators. Tariff Relief: A Possible Bonus According to the  Financial Times ,  major US tech firms may be exempt ...

Quick Summary TSMC’s January revenue surged past NT$400 billion , beating expectations US payrolls data delayed  to Feb 11 due to government shutdown Microsoft now trades cheaper than IBM on forward P/E  for the first time in 10 years AI capex remains the market’s key pressure point Before the Bell: Futures Check US stock futures were steady after the Dow hit another record high: Nasdaq 100 futures:  +0.03% S&P 500 futures:  +0.09% Dow futures:  +0.05% TSMC Leads the AI Supply Chain Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co  reported  January revenue of NT$401.26 billion , up: +36.8% year-on-year +19.8% month-on-month Key takeaway:  AI-driven demand continues to flow straight into foundry earnings, reinforcing TSMC’s position at the core of the global AI buildout. Jobs Data Delay Adds Uncertainty The  January Nonfarm Payrolls report  has been pushed to  Feb 11  due to the partial US government shutdown. Report will include...

Key Takeaways TSMC plans 3nm chip production in Japan , upgrading from earlier 7nm plans Investment may rise to ¥2.6 trillion , strengthening Kumamoto as a chip hub Political boost for PM Sanae Takaichi  ahead of a snap election Supports  AI demand and global supply-chain diversification Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.  is planning to produce  advanced 3-nanometre chips in Japan , a significant upgrade from earlier plans and a political win for Prime Minister  Sanae Takaichi  as she pushes to rebuild the country’s semiconductor base. The world’s largest contract chipmaker intends to deploy cutting-edge technology at its  second wafer fabrication plant in Kumamoto , according to people familiar with the matter. That would mark a step up from the initial roadmap to manufacture  7nm chips by late 2027 . To support the expansion, TSMC is expected to raise its total investment in the project to  ¥2.6 trillion (US$17 billion) , Japanese medi...

 The US and Taiwan have sealed a  landmark trade agreement  that strengthens America’s semiconductor ambitions while easing trade barriers for Taiwanese exporters — with  Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co  at the centre of the deal. Under the agreement, Taiwan pledged  US$250 billion in US investments , led by TSMC’s plan to  expand its semiconductor manufacturing cluster in Arizona . In return, the US will  cut tariffs on Taiwanese goods to 15% from 20%  and grant exemptions to Taiwanese chipmakers that commit to expanding production on American soil. The move aligns with the Trump administration’s broader strategy to  onshore critical industries , reduce reliance on overseas supply chains, and de-escalate tariff tensions without derailing economic growth. It also builds on recent trade progress with partners such as the European Union, Japan, and China. TSMC’s dominance in advanced chip manufacturing makes this deal strategically s...

Asian equities surged to  record highs , led by a renewed technology rally after blowout earnings from  Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co  reassured investors that the artificial intelligence (AI) boom remains durable. The  MSCI Asia-Pacific Index  rose  0.3% to a fresh all-time high , marking its  fourth consecutive weekly gain . Technology shares across the region advanced strongly, while South Korea’s benchmark index — closely tied to the AI theme — also reached new peaks. TSMC shares climbed to their  highest level ever , reigniting risk appetite across global markets. The optimism spilled into US markets, with futures for the  S&P 500  and  Nasdaq 100  both rising, signalling continued strength in global tech sentiment. Investors who had previously worried about  stretched valuations and heavy AI-related spending  appear reassured by earnings that support ongoing data-centre demand. Market confidence has ...

The US has imposed a  25% tariff on a narrow category of advanced semiconductors , a move closely tied to a deal that allows  Nvidia  to resume shipments of its Taiwan-made H200 AI chips to China — marking a major shift in Washington’s tech trade strategy. What’s the Deal? The tariff applies to  specific high-end AI processors , including Nvidia’s  H200  and  Advanced Micro Devices ’s  MI325X . The duty is collected  when chips enter the US , before being re-exported to China or other overseas markets. In return, Nvidia received approval in December to sell H200 chips to China, subject to export licences. President Donald Trump described the arrangement as a win-win: “China wants them… and we are going to be making 25% of the sale of those chips.” Why This Matters This is  not a blanket chip tariff . Instead, the US is: Holding off broader semiconductor levies following a national security probe Using  targeted tariffs + licensing c...

The  Trump administration is nearing a trade deal with Taiwan  that could  lower US tariffs  on Taiwanese goods and unlock a  massive new wave of chip investment  by  Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co  (TSMC) in the United States, according to Bloomberg. What’s on the Table Tariffs on Taiwanese imports  could be  cut to 15% from 20% , putting Taiwan on par with  Japan and South Korea , which secured similar deals last year. In return,  TSMC would commit to building at least four additional chip fabs in Arizona , on top of: Six fabs  already announced Two advanced packaging facilities If finalised, the agreement could be announced  as early as this month . Why This Is a Big Deal US Chip Investment Could Exceed US$100 Billion TSMC has already pledged  up to US$165 billion  for US manufacturing. With  each fab costing over US$20 billion , the four new plants could push  total incremental investmen...

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company  (TSMC)  will report its  Q4 earnings on January 15 , taking center stage as the most critical “pick-and-shovel” play in the global AI boom. With AI chip demand accelerating and expectations running high, investors are less focused on headline numbers and more on  forward guidance, capacity expansion, and long-term AI visibility . Options Market: Caution Ahead of Earnings The derivatives market is signalling  defensive positioning  into the print: Put/Call ratio:   1.64  on open interest of 1.76 million contracts Implied volatility:   43.33% , well above historical volatility of 31.25% IV Percentile:   67% , indicating options are moderately expensive This suggests institutions are  hedging against downside risk , even if results come in strong — a sign that expectations for guidance may be difficult to exceed. Q4 Financial Expectations (Consensus) Revenue US$32.38bn  (+20% YoY, -2% Qo...

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) reported a slowdown in monthly sales growth for October, reigniting debate over whether the artificial intelligence (AI) boom driving global chip demand is beginning to lose steam. The world’s largest contract chipmaker posted a  16.9% year-on-year revenue increase  last month — its  slowest pace since February 2024 . Analysts expect TSMC’s overall sales to rise around  16% in the current quarter , still a solid expansion but notably slower compared to recent surges. Despite the moderation,  TSMC shares have climbed about 37% year-to-date , supported by relentless AI-related demand from its biggest customers. Market Correction Fears Resurface Last week’s sudden selloff across Asian tech stocks has rattled investor confidence, underscoring growing caution that the record-breaking rally in AI and semiconductor counters may be peaking. Several Wall Street executives have warned of an impending correction, with  Mich...

  FTSE Singapore Straits Times Index -0.47% Keppel  +0.11%  CapitaLandInvest  -0.75%  Keppel REIT  0.00% Here’s what you need to know about today’s Singapore markets: Singapore shares opened lower on Friday US stocks declined on trade tensions and banking concerns despite TSMC’s strong earnings Singapore’s non-oil exports surged 6.9% in September, beating forecasts Stocks to watch: Keppel, CapitaLandInvest, and others Latest share buyback transactions Market Snapshot Singapore shares opened lower on Friday. FTSE Straits Times Index (STI):  4,343.42 (-12.78, -0.29%) Trading (as of 9:00 AM):  Volume 26.61M | Value S$47.81M Advancers / Decliners:  58 / 60 US US Stocks Decline on Trade Tensions and Banking Concerns Despite TSMC’s Strong Earnings Major US indexes closed lower on Thursday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average down 0.65% to 45,952.24, the S&P 500 falling 0.63% to 6,629.07, and the Nasdaq declining 0.47% to 22,562.54. The market downturn ...

 $TSMC (TSM.US)$ is expected to post another blockbuster quarter as  AI-driven chip demand propels earnings to record highs , reinforcing its dominance in the global semiconductor landscape. However, rising  US tariffs and production policy tensions  could complicate its medium-term outlook. AI Boom Pushes TSMC Toward Record Profit According to an  LSEG SmartEstimate  compiled from 20 analysts,  Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC)  is projected to deliver a  28% year-on-year surge in Q3 net profit to 415.4 billion (US$13.6 billion)  — a new all-time high for the chipmaker. Revenue Growth:  +30% YoY, exceeding market expectations. Profit Benchmark:  Any figure above T$398.3 billion will mark  TSMC’s highest-ever quarterly profit  and its  seventh straight quarter of earnings growth . Valuation:  With a market cap of around  US$1.2 trillion , TSMC remains  Asia’s most valuable listed compan...