Global Markets Rally on Tech and Trade News

Asian markets were mixed on Friday after a Wall Street rally driven by chip and bank stocks. Taiwan's Weighted Index rose 1.94% to a record high, while South Korea's Kospi also reached a record high with an 0.9% gain. Japan's Nikkei 225 fell 0.32%, and Hong Kong's Hang Seng index was down 0.48%. The U.S. trade deal with Taiwan boosted semiconductor sentiment globally, with Taiwanese companies committing to invest $250 billion in U.S. production capacity. TSMC's spending outlook and strong quarterly earnings also contributed to the positive sentiment in the chip sector.

The article discusses the impact of TSMC's earnings on the AI trade and global markets. TSMC's blowout earnings and increased capital expenditure for 2026 boosted optimism in the tech sector, particularly in semiconductor and AI-related stocks. The article also touches on other global news, including the U.S. getting 30% higher prices for Venezuelan oil, India's exports to China soaring, and Mitsubishi's acquisition of shale gas assets in the U.S. The overall tone is informative, with a positive sentiment towards the tech sector. The primary intent is to inform readers about market trends and news.

The stock market saw a boost on Friday morning, with futures rising after a rally in banks and tech stocks on Thursday. The S&P 500, Nasdaq Composite, and Dow Jones Industrial Average all saw gains, driven by strong quarterly results from chipmakers like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company and Nvidia. A trade agreement between the US and Taiwan, where Taiwanese companies will invest $250 billion in US production capacity, also contributed to the positive sentiment. However, some analysts remain cautious, citing expensive valuations and potential risks from midterm elections and geopolitical tensions. The major averages are still on track for losses on the week, with the S&P 500 down 0.3% and the Nasdaq down 0.6%.