New York, Jan 11, 2026, 13:13 (EST) — Market closed.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co’s revenue for the fourth quarter jumped 20.45% year-on-year, beating analysts’ estimates and offering fresh insight into demand for AI-related advanced chips. The world’s largest contract chipmaker posted revenue of T$1.046 trillion ($33.11 billion) for October through December, based on monthly sales figures it released. Full earnings are set for Jan. 15. (Reuters)
With U.S. markets closed for the weekend, attention turns to a packed week that might shake up risk appetite for tech stocks, especially chipmakers. “It just seems a little too quiet,” said Michael Arone, chief investment strategist at State Street Investment Management. He flagged earnings season kicking off and Tuesday’s U.S. consumer price inflation report as potential volatility triggers. (Reuters)
TSMC is crucial since it’s positioned at the intersection of AI investment and the broader economy: servers, networking hardware, and the fabs that fabricate chips. The Jan. 15 earnings call should update guidance for both the quarter and full year, highlighting capital expenditure — the outlay on plants and gear — that can send shockwaves through the semiconductor supply chain.
TSMC’s shares on the U.S. market ended Friday at $323.63, gaining $5.52 from the previous close. The stock fluctuated between $318.45 and $324.84 during the session.
The sales update comes as investors wrestle with distinguishing “strong demand” from “too much supply” in certain chip segments. AI remains the clear winner, while consumer electronics paint a murkier picture—crucial for margin outlooks.
Taiwan’s export figures reinforced the same story: the finance ministry reported 2025 exports reached a record $640.75 billion, boosted by strong demand for chips and AI-related tech. Yet it cautioned that uncertainty looms, with U.S. tariff policies still evolving and geopolitical tensions unresolved. (Reuters)
The signal got through. European chip-related shares climbed Friday following TSMC’s earnings report, with tech standing out as a stronger sector. Stocks like ASML, Infineon, and STMicroelectronics saw gains. (Reuters)
But the risks go beyond demand alone. Supply chains are now a matter of policy, with potential impacts on costs and delivery schedules. U.S. Undersecretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg announced that Qatar and the UAE will soon join a U.S.-led effort to secure AI and semiconductor supply chains. He described it as a “coalition of capabilities,” as Washington pushes its allies to curb dependence on rival countries. (Reuters)
Traders face a clear question: will the market see the quarterly sales beat as proof that AI spending remains strong, or has this already been baked in after chip stocks’ recent rally?
TSMC’s next major event hits Jan. 15, when it will release full quarterly results along with its outlook, including capital spending. These figures typically send ripples beyond just one stock, shaking up a broad swath of chip-related tech shares.
