Live Market Brief

Thursday, January 15, 2026

Last updated: 11:00 PM ET
🔴 LIVE 11:00 PM ET

Macro Fears Intensify as Hawkish BOJ Enters the Fray, Testing Tech's Resilience. The economic headwinds that began brewing late last night are gathering force, with a fresh dose of macro anxiety coming from overseas. New reports indicate some within the Bank of Japan see scope to raise interest rates sooner than expected, amplifying the global hawkish sentiment that traders were fearful of just 24 hours ago.

However, the powerful AI and corporate-deal narrative that drove yesterday's spectacular rally is refusing to back down. Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM) is providing a positive counter-current, with news it is set to expand its massive U.S. investment, reinforcing the AI infrastructure theme. Separately, M&A activity is heating up as Netflix (NFLX) is reportedly preparing an all-cash offer for Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD).

This sets up a clear tug-of-war for the market: Can the undeniable fundamental strength in tech and M&A withstand the mounting pressure from a deteriorating global monetary policy outlook?

Stocks in Focus

NFLX
Rising: Reports that the company is preparing an all-cash bid for Warner Bros. Discovery.
SPY
Struggling: Caught in a tug-of-war between positive tech-specific news (TSM, NFLX) and a worsening global macro picture led by a hawkish BOJ.
TSM
Rising: Continued positive momentum following reports of accelerated U.S. investment plans.
10:00 PM ET

Economic Headwinds Mount, Challenging Yesterday's AI Euphoria. The powerful risk-on sentiment from the prior session, fueled by tech's fundamental strength, is facing a significant reality check. The narrative, which shifted late last night on a dismal jobs report, is now being reinforced by a wave of concerning headlines across key sectors.

Fears are brewing in the financial space, as major bank CEOs like Bank of America's (BAC) push back against potential government caps on credit card interest rates, a move they warn would dramatically restrict consumer credit. At the same time, individual company weakness is becoming more pronounced. A top analyst is publicly questioning Tesla's (TSLA) valuation as its sales decline, adding to the negative sentiment surrounding the EV maker.

This creates a confusing picture for traders, especially as the US Dollar is strengthening on what some see as buoyant data, a signal that typically suggests a more hawkish Fed. This directly conflicts with the recent weak jobs data, leaving the market in a state of uncertainty. While there are pockets of activity, such as M&A chatter between Netflix (NFLX) and Warner Bros. (WBD), the broader mood has clearly soured as the focus shifts from AI optimism to mounting economic concerns.

Stocks in Focus

BAC
Under Pressure: Fears over potential government caps on credit card interest rates.
NFLX
Active: Reports of a potential all-cash M&A bid for Warner Bros. Discovery.
SPY
Choppy: Conflicting economic signals create uncertainty, weighing against prior AI-driven rally.
TSLA
Falling: Analyst questions valuation amid reports of declining sales.
9:00 PM ET

Economic Reality Check: Dismal Jobs Report Threatens to Derail AI Rally. Just as the market was basking in the afterglow of a powerful, tech-driven rally, a bombshell jobs report showing major losses in key sectors has landed with a thud. This report serves as a stark reality check, directly challenging the resilient economic narrative that supported the previous session's euphoria.

The souring macro picture is being amplified by a drumbeat of concerning micro-level data. A wave of notable insider selling has been reported across multiple sectors, including at Five below (FIVE), Datadog (DDOG), and Walmart (WMT), suggesting executives are taking profits at these levels. Meanwhile, the negative spotlight on Tesla (TSLA) intensifies, with fresh reports highlighting a 15% drop in Q4 sales and a prominent analyst questioning the company's valuation.

This combination of a weak macro catalyst and specific company-level weakness has forcefully shifted the narrative. The question for traders is no longer just about the strength of the AI theme, but whether that powerful narrative can withstand a rapidly deteriorating economic outlook.

Stocks in Focus

SPY
Falling: Extremely negative jobs report signals economic weakness, reversing the previous session's bullish sentiment.
TSLA
Falling: Sentiment sours on reports confirming a significant drop in Q4 sales and a critical analyst valuation call.
8:00 PM ET

AI Bulls Reinforce the Narrative After-Hours. After the closing bell, the bull camp is forcefully pushing back against the macro anxieties that resurfaced late yesterday. A wave of positive news is highlighting the sheer fundamental power of the AI 'megatrend' that ignited today's monster rally, led by blockbuster earnings from Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM).

Reports detailing the strength of Nvidia's (NVDA) networking business and a deep dive into the massive cash flows of AI leaders like Microsoft (MSFT) and Google (GOOGL) are underscoring the core investment thesis. Adding to the positive economic picture, a strong earnings beat from transport giant J.B. Hunt (JBHT) suggests resilience beyond the tech sector.

However, it's not a one-way street. A notable string of insider selling reports from executives at companies like Warby Parker (WRBY) and Veeva Systems (VEEV) suggests some are taking profits at these elevated levels. Furthermore, a report showing a 15% drop in Tesla's (TSLA) Q4 sales serves as a reality check on demand in certain pockets of the market, setting up a classic battle between powerful fundamentals and pockets of weakness.

Stocks in Focus

NVDA
Strengthening: Positive news flow on its non-GPU networking business broadens the bull case.
TSLA
Weakening: Reports of a 15% drop in Q4 sales are raising questions about demand momentum.
TSM
Strengthening: Post-market reports continue to highlight the strength of its blowout earnings, reinforcing the AI-driven rally.
WRBY
Watching: Significant insider selling signals potential profit-taking at recent highs.
7:00 PM ET

Macro Fears Resurface After-Hours, Challenging AI Rally. The powerful, AI-fueled euphoria that drove the market today is running into a significant after-hours headwind. While traders spent the session celebrating the tech narrative, billionaire Michael Bloomberg has just issued a stark warning on the very macro issue the market chose to ignore: the criminal probe into Fed Chair Powell.

In a newly published op-ed, Bloomberg called the political pressure on the Federal Reserve a "formula for financial panic and economic disaster," forcefully bringing the systemic risk of the investigation right back into the spotlight. This serves as a major reality check after a session where stellar earnings allowed the market to completely sidestep this issue.

This renewed macro anxiety is overshadowing some positive single-stock news, such as Tesla (TSLA) partnering with Samsung for critical 5G hardware. Other after-hours headlines are adding to a more cautious tone, with an executive departure at Walmart (WMT) and notable insider selling from Okta's (OKTA) CFO.

Stocks in Focus

SPY
Falling: Renewed focus on macro risks from Fed probe following strong warnings, challenging the day's tech-led rally.
TSLA
Rising: Positive sentiment from new partnership with Samsung for 5G modems, key to its Robotaxi ambitions.
WMT
Falling: Uncertainty following the announced departure of its international chief.
6:00 PM ET

AI's Decisive Victory: How One Earnings Report Crushed Macro Fears and Ignited a Monster Rally. The market has closed out a session defined by a stunning and dramatic reversal. The deep macro anxiety that gripped traders overnight—fueled by the Fed probe and hawkish global central banks—was completely obliterated by the sheer force of the AI growth narrative.

The entire narrative pivoted on a dime following a blockbuster pre-market earnings report from semiconductor bellwether Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM). Its record profits and bullish outlook on AI demand acted as the single catalyst that flipped the market from risk-off to a full-blown buying frenzy, validating the entire AI investment thesis in one fell swoop.

The bullish momentum proved contagious, lifting the entire tech ecosystem. The rally broadened from TSM's direct beneficiaries like Nvidia (NVDA) and AMD to the wider 'picks and shovels' infrastructure theme, reinforced by news of a deeper AI partnership between Apple (AAPL) and Google (GOOGL). By the closing bell, the macro anxieties that haunted the market just hours earlier were a distant memory, completely overshadowed by stellar corporate fundamentals.

Stocks in Focus

AAPL
Rising: Benefitted from positive sentiment in tech and reports of a deepened AI partnership with Google for Siri.
NVDA
Rising: Rallied in sympathy with key supplier TSM and the broader AI-driven tech surge.
SPY
Rising: Broad market rally fueled by strong tech earnings and the AI investment theme, which overwhelmed macro fears.
TSM
Surging: Blockbuster earnings report and bullish AI outlook single-handedly reversed market sentiment.
5:00 PM ET

AI Trumps All: TSMC Earnings Spark Monster Rally, Crushing Macro Fears. The market closed with a powerful, broad-based rally, staging a stunning reversal from the deep macro anxiety that gripped the overnight session. The single catalyst for this dramatic turnaround was a blockbuster earnings report from semiconductor bellwether Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM) before the open, which single-handedly validated the entire AI investment thesis and flipped the market narrative on its head.

TSMC's record profits and bullish outlook on AI demand sent a shockwave of optimism through the market, igniting a fierce rally in the entire semiconductor ecosystem. Key players like Nvidia (NVDA) and chip-equipment makers surged as the positive sentiment proved contagious. The rally broadened throughout the day as traders piled into the 'picks and shovels' of the AI infrastructure build-out, a theme reinforced by a new AI partnership between Apple (AAPL) and Google (GOOGL).

Remarkably, this surge completely overshadowed the significant macro headwinds that had dominated sentiment just hours earlier, including the ongoing criminal probe into Fed Chair Powell and hawkish commentary from global central bankers. For today, undeniable corporate fundamentals and the sheer force of the AI narrative won a decisive victory, allowing bulls to take firm control into the close.

Stocks in Focus

AAPL
Rising: General tech enthusiasm and positive news flow regarding a deepened AI partnership with Google for Siri.
NVDA
Rising: Positive read-through from key supplier TSM's strong earnings, validating the AI hardware investment thesis.
SPY
Rising: Broad market rally led by tech sector after blowout earnings from TSM overshadowed macro fears.
TSM
Surging: Blockbuster Q4 earnings report with record profit and a bullish forecast driven by soaring AI chip demand.
4:00 PM ET

Tech's Triumph: TSMC Earnings Spark Monster Rally, Crushing Macro Fears: The market closed with a powerful rally, staging a stunning reversal from the deep macro anxiety that gripped the overnight session. The single catalyst for this dramatic turnaround was a blockbuster earnings report from semiconductor bellwether Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM) before the open, which single-handedly validated the entire AI investment thesis.

TSMC's record profits and bullish outlook on AI demand sent a shockwave of optimism through the market, igniting a fierce rally in the entire semiconductor ecosystem, with key players like Nvidia (NVDA) and chip-equipment makers surging. The bullish sentiment proved contagious, broadening throughout the day as traders piled into the 'picks and shovels' of the AI infrastructure build-out.

Remarkably, the rally completely overshadowed the significant macro headwinds that had dominated sentiment just hours earlier, including the ongoing criminal probe into Fed Chair Powell and hawkish commentary from central bankers. For today, at least, undeniable corporate fundamentals and the sheer force of the AI narrative won a decisive victory, allowing bulls to take firm control into the close.

Stocks in Focus

NVDA
Rising: Rallied in sympathy with key supplier TSMC, validating the AI investment thesis.
SPY
Rising: Broad-based rally led by the tech sector following blowout earnings from TSMC.
TSM
Surging: Blockbuster earnings report and bullish AI demand forecast single-handedly flipped market sentiment.
3:00 PM ET

Bulls Double Down on AI Infrastructure as Dissenting Voices Emerge: The powerful 'picks and shovels' AI theme driving the market has received a major validation this afternoon. A new report that BlackRock (BLK) and Microsoft (MSFT) are building a massive $30 billion AI infrastructure fund is adding serious fuel to the rally, making the tangible demand for the AI build-out impossible to ignore.

This narrative is being reinforced by high-profile capital flows, as Cathie Wood's ARK Invest was reported to have sold a large chunk of Tesla (TSLA) to pile into AI chipmaker Broadcom (AVGO). However, as the rally charges into the final hour, some notable bears are emerging. Michael Burry, of 'Big Short' fame, has revealed a new short position against market-leader Nvidia (NVDA), questioning the sustainability of the boom. At the same time, hawkish comments from Kansas City Fed President Schmid, who opposes rate cuts, serve as a reminder of the macro risks the market was so fearful of just last night.

Stocks in Focus

AVGO
Rising: Beneficiary of a reported major purchase from ARK Invest, signaling a rotation into AI infrastructure plays.
MSFT
Rising: Report of a new $30 billion AI infrastructure fund with BlackRock.
NVDA
Volatile: Continued AI enthusiasm tempered by news of a significant short position from investor Michael Burry.
SPY
Rising: Broad rally fueled by major investments in AI infrastructure.
TSLA
Falling: Pressure from reports that ARK Invest is selling its position to fund other AI-related purchases.
2:00 PM ET

AI Rally Finds New Fuel in 'Picks and Shovels' Plays: The powerful risk-on sentiment, initially ignited by TSMC's (TSM) overnight earnings, is broadening significantly this afternoon. Traders are now looking past the chipmakers themselves and bidding up the entire AI supply chain. A new deal for Rio Tinto (RIO) to supply copper directly to Amazon (AMZN) for its AI data centers is a prime example, making the massive scale of the infrastructure build-out tangible.

This 'picks and shovels' theme is being reinforced by positive news across the tech ecosystem. Fresh headlines on Apple (AAPL) and Google (GOOGL) deepening their AI partnership for Siri, along with an analyst upgrade for Corning (GLW), are adding fuel to the fire. The market is confidently shrugging off the macro anxieties that dominated the overnight session, with falling mortgage rates providing an additional tailwind for the bullish narrative.

Stocks in Focus

AMZN
Rising: Securing copper supply from Rio Tinto for its AI data centers highlights the massive infrastructure build-out.
GOOGL
Rising: Multiple positive headlines, including Siri partnership and AI shopping protocol, reinforce its AI leadership.
RIO
Rising: Surging on deal to supply Amazon with copper for its AI data centers, a key 'picks and shovels' play.
SPY
Rising: Broad, AI-driven rally expanding into new sectors and supported by positive macro data.
1:00 PM ET

AI Rally Rolls On, But Traders Grow More Selective: The powerful, tech-led rally that kicked off this morning remains the dominant force in the market. The euphoria from TSMC's (TSM) blowout earnings overnight continues to fuel the 'picks and shovels' AI trade. This is supported by continued strength in financials, with a surprise profit beat from Goldman Sachs (GS) confirming the bullish earnings picture painted earlier by the big banks.

However, under the surface, the market is showing signs of becoming more discerning. While the broad indexes are up, traders are not buying indiscriminately. Specific names with negative headlines are getting punished. For example, Reddit (RDDT) is selling off sharply after a negative analyst report on its ad business. Similarly, the high-flying weight-loss drug makers like Eli Lilly (LLY) and Novo Nordisk (NVO) are facing pressure on reports that many users discontinue treatment. This suggests capital is rotating out of crowded trades and into the core AI infrastructure theme that is leading the market higher today.

Stocks in Focus

GS
Rising: Reported a surprise increase in Q4 profit, reinforcing the strong earnings trend from the financial sector.
LLY
Falling: Reports that a high percentage of users discontinue weight-loss injections, raising concerns about the durability of the growth story.
RDDT
Falling: Negative analyst report citing 'challenging' feedback from small and medium-sized business ad checks.
SPY
Rising: Continued momentum driven by strong semiconductor earnings and a resilient financial sector.
12:00 PM ET

AI-Fueled Rally Charges into Midday as Rotation Theme Emerges: Bulls remain in firm control, pushing the market higher and building on the powerful momentum sparked by TSMC's (TSM) blowout earnings overnight. The deep macro fears surrounding the Fed probe have been thoroughly sidelined for now, with traders instead focusing on strong corporate fundamentals.

A clear theme of rotation within the tech sector is now taking shape. High-profile investor Cathie Wood's ARK Invest is making waves, reportedly selling a significant stake in Tesla (TSLA) while loading up on AI infrastructure play Broadcom (AVGO). This move is being seen as a key market-tell, reinforcing the narrative that capital is flowing towards the core 'picks and shovels' of the AI build-out.

The rally is also showing signs of broadening beyond just semiconductors. Positive earnings from regional banks like First Horizon (FHN) and an upgrade for data center REIT Digital Realty (DLR) suggest wider participation. However, it's not a 'buy everything' market, as specific headwinds for names like Qualcomm (QCOM) on smartphone weakness show that traders are being selective.

Stocks in Focus

AVGO
Rising: Gaining on reports of significant buying from ARK Invest, highlighting a rotation into AI infrastructure plays.
SPY
Rising: Broad, tech-led rally fueled by strong semiconductor earnings and continued AI optimism.
TSLA
Falling: Under pressure following reports of a large sale by Cathie Wood's ARK Invest, signaling a potential shift in sentiment among growth investors.
TSM
Rising: Continues to lead the market higher after its blowout earnings report overnight validated the entire AI investment thesis.
11:00 AM ET

Tech Rally Broadens as Bulls Press Their Bets: The powerful risk-on sentiment that kicked off the session is gaining momentum. The rally, initially sparked by Taiwan Semiconductor's (TSM) blowout earnings overnight, is no longer just a semiconductor story. Stronger-than-expected jobless claims data has added fuel to the fire, bolstering confidence in the broader economy and giving traders another reason to buy.

Mega-Caps Add Fuel to the Fire: Adding to the bullish tone, a major strategic partnership between Apple (AAPL) and Google (GOOGL) to integrate Gemini AI into Siri is giving investors another positive catalyst to latch onto, keeping the bid strong under the market's biggest names.

However, under the surface, a more complex story is developing. While tech leads the charge, analysts are flagging the quiet outperformance of defensive sectors like Energy (XLE) and Healthcare (XLV) as a potential warning sign of a late-stage economic cycle. This, coupled with new warnings from Fitch Ratings about risks to the Fed's independence, suggests that while the AI euphoria has sidelined the macro fears from overnight, those anxieties haven't completely disappeared.

Stocks in Focus

AAPL
Gaining: Positive sentiment following the announcement of a strategic AI partnership with Google for its Siri platform.
SPY
Rising: Broad market rally fueled by strong semiconductor earnings and positive economic data.
TSM
Surging: Blockbuster earnings report and bullish AI outlook continues to drive a sector-wide rally.
XLE
Outperforming: Analysts note a potential defensive rotation, suggesting late-cycle economic concerns despite the broad market rally.
10:00 AM ET

Rally Gains Steam on Strong Data, But Cracks Appear Under the Surface: The powerful risk-on sentiment from the open is holding firm, fueled by continued momentum from TSMC's (TSM) blockbuster earnings and a fresh batch of strong economic data. Initial jobless claims falling below the key 200,000 threshold is being treated as unequivocally good news this morning, bolstering confidence in the economic backdrop and adding fuel to the rally in financials like Goldman Sachs (GS) and Morgan Stanley (MS).

However, a notable divergence is emerging that suggests traders aren't completely abandoning their defensive postures. While equities are bidding higher, precious metals are surging, with Gold (GLD) and Silver (SLV) catching a strong safe-haven bid. This signals that the geopolitical tensions and the unprecedented Fed probe that dominated the overnight session remain a significant source of underlying anxiety, even if they've been temporarily overshadowed by the AI euphoria.

Stocks in Focus

GLD
Rising: Gaining on safe-haven flows as traders hedge against underlying geopolitical and Fed-related uncertainty.
SPY
Rising: Broad rally driven by strong tech earnings (TSM) and better-than-expected jobless claims data.
TSM
Rising: Continued momentum from its blowout earnings report is lifting the entire semiconductor sector, including NVDA and AMAT.
9:00 AM ET

Risk-On Roars Back: TSMC Earnings and Bank Beats Overwhelm Fed Fears: The deep macro anxiety that gripped markets overnight has been forcefully cast aside at the opening bell. The single catalyst for this dramatic reversal is a blockbuster earnings report from semiconductor bellwether Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM), whose record profits and bullish outlook on AI demand have single-handedly flipped the script.

The positive shockwave from TSM is lifting the entire tech ecosystem, with chip equipment makers and names like Nvidia (NVDA) and AMD surging in pre-market trading. Bolstering the rally, major banks are adding another layer of confidence. Both Goldman Sachs (GS) and Morgan Stanley (MS) delivered stronger-than-expected earnings, signaling resilience in the financial sector and providing a broader foundation for the morning's rally.

Interestingly, this surge in risk assets is happening alongside a rally in precious metals and strong jobless claims data, suggesting the underlying macro tensions from the Fed probe haven't disappeared, but for now, they are being completely overshadowed by stellar corporate earnings.

Stocks in Focus

GS
Rising: Better-than-expected earnings adding fuel to the market's risk-on open.
NVDA
Rising: Surging in sympathy with key supplier TSMC's strong results and outlook.
SPY
Rising: Broad-based rally led by strong earnings in the key semiconductor and financial sectors.
TSM
Rising: Blowout earnings and bullish AI-driven forecast ignited a sector-wide rally.
8:00 AM ET

Tech Roars Back as TSMC Earnings Obliterate Overnight Gloom: What a difference a few hours makes. The deep macro anxiety that gripped the market overnight—fueled by the Fed probe and hawkish global central banks—has been completely washed away. The catalyst for this dramatic reversal is a blockbuster earnings report from semiconductor bellwether Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM), whose record profits and bullish outlook on AI demand have single-handedly flipped the market narrative to risk-on.

The positive shockwave from TSM is lifting the entire tech ecosystem. Futures are pointing to a sharply higher open, with the Nasdaq leading the charge as key TSM customers like Nvidia (NVDA) and peers like Intel (INTC) rally in pre-market. Supporting the bullish tone, strong results from financial giants like BlackRock (BLK) are adding to confidence ahead of the opening bell.

However, it's not a completely clear path. A new report highlights potential AI supply chain snags for Apple (AAPL) and Qualcomm (QCOM), serving as a reminder that the explosive growth in AI infrastructure is not without its bottlenecks. Still, for now, traders are overwhelmingly focused on the powerful green light from the world's most important chipmaker.

Stocks in Focus

AAPL
Rising: Benefiting from the broad tech rally led by TSMC, but facing potential headwinds from reports of AI supply chain bottlenecks.
NVDA
Rising: Gaining on strong results and capex plans from key supplier TSMC, validating the AI investment thesis.
SPY
Rising: Futures indicate a strong open as a powerful rally in the semiconductor sector overshadows earlier macroeconomic concerns.
TSM
Rising: Blockbuster Q4 earnings and a bullish forecast on AI demand are igniting a sector-wide rally.
7:00 AM ET

Semis Lead Pre-Market Charge as TSMC Earnings Eclipse Macro Fears: The deep overnight gloom sparked by the Fed probe has been completely washed away by a tidal wave of positive tech news. Bellwether Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM) is the clear hero of the pre-market session, delivering a stunning earnings report and a bullish capital spending forecast that validates the entire AI investment thesis.

The positive shockwave is lifting the entire ecosystem, with supplier ASML soaring past a $500 billion valuation and key customer Nvidia (NVDA) catching a strong bid. Adding fuel to the fire, solid results from asset management giant BlackRock (BLK) suggest broader corporate strength, setting the stage for a firm risk-on open.

Stocks in Focus

ASML
Rising: Positive read-through from TSMC's strong capital spending plans.
BLK
Rising: Strong earnings beat and record assets under management.
NVDA
Rising: Rallying in sympathy with its primary chip supplier, TSMC.
TSM
Surging: Blowout Q4 earnings and bullish guidance driven by AI chip demand.
6:00 AM ET

Tech Bulls Seize Control as Macro Fears Subside: The market narrative has undergone a dramatic overnight reversal. The pervasive gloom from the Fed probe has been forcefully pushed aside by a stunning earnings report from chip bellwether Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM). Its record profit and bullish spending plans have ignited a rally across the entire semiconductor space, providing a powerful tailwind for names like Nvidia (NVDA) and Apple (AAPL).

Adding to the bullish momentum, geopolitical headwinds are also fading. Oil prices are retreating on signs of de-escalation with Iran, and shipping giant Maersk (AMKBY) announced a resumption of key routes through the Red Sea. While the Fed investigation remains a significant background risk, traders are currently choosing to price in the undeniable fundamental strength of the AI-driven tech sector and an improving geopolitical landscape.

Stocks in Focus

NVDA
Rising: Positive read-through from key supplier TSM's stellar results, signaling continued strength for the entire AI ecosystem.
SPY
Rising: Overpowering tech rally and easing geopolitical tensions are overshadowing concerns about the Fed.
TSM
Rising: Blowout quarterly earnings and bullish capital expenditure forecast driven by massive AI chip demand.
5:00 AM ET

Semiconductor Rally Broadens, Challenging Macro Fears: The powerful counter-narrative sparked by TSMC's (TSM) blowout earnings is gaining significant traction. The rally is clearly not isolated, as chip equipment giant ASML has now surged to a market cap exceeding $500 billion on the back of TSMC's bullish capital spending plans. This ripple effect is providing a strong tailwind for the entire semiconductor complex and key players like Nvidia (NVDA).

This tech-centric optimism is now in a direct tug-of-war with the persistent macro gloom. Overnight data showed the German economy unexpectedly grew, ending its recession. While positive on the surface, this reinforces the 'hotter data, hawkish central banks' theme that has been punishing sentiment, especially with the Fed probe still looming. The session is shaping up to be a clear battle between undeniable fundamental strength in AI and the systemic risks that dominated the overnight narrative.

Stocks in Focus

ASML
Rising: Surging past a $500B market cap as investors cheer the positive read-through from key customer TSMC's results and capex plans.
SPY
Finding a Bid: Attempting to rally as strength in the heavyweight technology and semiconductor sectors offsets persistent macroeconomic and geopolitical anxieties.
TSM
Rising: Stellar earnings report continues to fuel broad-based buying across the semiconductor sector.
4:00 AM ET

TSMC Earnings Shatter Fears, Setting Up a Tech vs. Macro Showdown: The narrative of relentless macro gloom, driven by the Fed probe and hawkish global central banks, has been forcefully challenged overnight. Bellwether chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM) delivered a stunning earnings report that is acting as a powerful counter-current for the tech sector.

The chip giant posted a 35% surge in quarterly profit, blowing past estimates on the back of the unrelenting AI boom. More importantly for the entire supply chain, TSMC signaled immense confidence by planning to boost capital spending by roughly 40%. This is a direct injection of optimism for key customers like Nvidia (NVDA) and Apple (AAPL), directly offsetting earlier fears about Chinese restrictions.

This creates a clear battleground for the session ahead: Can the undeniable fundamental strength in the AI ecosystem, led by TSM, overpower the systemic risks still swirling around the Fed? Traders are now watching to see if this tech-led rally has legs or if the macro fears will reassert control.

Stocks in Focus

AAPL
Rising: Positive sentiment from major chip supplier TSM's strong results.
NVDA
Rising: Positive read-through from key supplier TSM's blowout earnings and capex plans.
SPY
Attempting to Rally: Tech sector strength on TSMC earnings is fighting against broader macro headwinds from Fed uncertainty.
TSM
Surging: Massive earnings beat and increased capital spending guidance driven by AI demand.
3:00 AM ET

Tech Fundamentals vs. Macro Gloom: A Tug-of-War Emerges: The lifeline thrown by TSMC's stellar earnings report just got a major boost from Amazon (AMZN). Multiple overnight reports highlight the launch of its AWS European Sovereign Cloud, a significant positive catalyst for the tech giant.

This creates a clear battleground for traders. In one corner, you have powerful, company-specific fundamental news from chip leaders and cloud titans suggesting the core tech story is intact. In the other, the toxic macro cocktail remains. Fresh data showing the UK economy grew faster than expected reinforces the global 'hotter data, hawkish central banks' theme that has been punishing sentiment. Meanwhile, negative headlines continue to drip in, with Microsoft (MSFT) facing a new Swiss antitrust probe and Coinbase (COIN) dealing with ongoing regulatory headwinds.

The central conflict is now whether the strength in mega-cap tech is enough to overpower the anxiety stemming from the Fed probe and the coordinated tightening from global central banks.

Stocks in Focus

AMZN
Rising: Launch of its new AWS European Sovereign Cloud, addressing data privacy and sovereignty concerns.
MSFT
Falling: Facing a new antitrust investigation in Switzerland concerning licensing fees.
SPY
Choppy: Caught between strong tech-specific news (TSMC, AMZN) and persistent macroeconomic fears.
TSM
Rising: Continued positive momentum from blowout Q4 earnings driven by high-end AI chip demand.
2:00 AM ET

BREAKING: TSMC Earnings Shatter Estimates, Throwing Lifeline to Battered Tech Sector: In a sharp counter-narrative to the market's pervasive gloom, chip giant Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM) just delivered a knockout Q4 earnings report, posting a record 35% jump in profit that blew past expectations. The driver was exactly what bulls wanted to hear: soaring, unabated demand for high-end AI chips.

This is a much-needed dose of good news for a tech sector that has been hammered by the Fed probe uncertainty and the earlier reports of China targeting Nvidia (NVDA) chips. As TSMC's key customers, both NVDA and Apple (AAPL) are seeing an immediate positive reaction. The critical question for traders now is whether this incredibly strong, single-company catalyst has enough firepower to fight the toxic macro cocktail of a hawkish global central bank pivot and unprecedented political risk at the Federal Reserve.

Stocks in Focus

NVDA
Lifting: Positive read-through from key supplier TSMC confirms robust AI demand, countering earlier negative headlines about China.
SPY
Finding a Bid: Strong earnings from semiconductor bellwether TSMC are providing a potential floor for the tech sector after a sharp overnight selloff.
TSM
Surging: Record Q4 profit beat driven by strong AI chip demand.
1:00 AM ET

Tech Woes Deepen as China Targets Nvidia AI Chips: The deeply negative sentiment from the Fed probe is being compounded by fresh geopolitical headwinds. Overnight reports indicate China plans to cap purchases of Nvidia (NVDA) AI chips, a direct blow to the market leader and a significant escalation in the tech trade war.

This is adding to a pile-on of negative catalysts weighing on global markets. Trip.com (TCOM) shares are confirming a 20% plunge on antitrust fears, the Bank of Korea officially ended its monetary easing cycle, and a delayed crypto bill in the US continues to pressure names like Coinbase (COIN).

In a rare bright spot, Microsoft (MSFT) announced a record deal for soil carbon credits. However, this is unlikely to shift the broader mood, especially as details from the Saks Global bankruptcy reveal widespread pain in the luxury retail sector, impacting major creditors like LVMH (LVMUY) and Kering (KER).

Stocks in Focus

NVDA
Falling: Reports that China plans new rules to cap purchases of its AI chips.
SPY
Falling: Broad market pressure from escalating US-China tech tensions and global central bank hawkishness.
TCOM
Falling: Shares are down over 20% following confirmation of a Chinese antitrust investigation.
12:00 AM ET

Global Central Banks Pile On Fed Anxiety: The risk-off sentiment, ignited by the criminal probe into Fed Chair Powell, is intensifying as Asian central banks join the hawkish chorus. Overnight reports indicate the Bank of Japan is preparing for further rate hikes, while the Bank of Korea has officially signaled an end to its easing cycle. This creates a synchronized global tightening pressure that is weighing heavily on markets.

The sour mood is evident in single-stock stories. Shares of Trip.com (TCOM) have plummeted over 20% following confirmation of a Chinese antitrust investigation, reigniting regulatory fears. Stateside, the crypto sector is taking a hit after a key US Senate bill was delayed, pressuring names like Coinbase (COIN).

In a slight counter-narrative, gold prices have pulled back from recent record highs on signs that direct US-Iran tensions may be cooling, suggesting some geopolitical risk premium is coming out of the market. However, this has done little to offset the primary concern: a global central bank backdrop that is turning increasingly hostile towards risk assets.

Stocks in Focus

COIN
Falling: Facing headwinds after a key US Senate crypto bill was delayed.
SPY
Falling: Growing anxiety over synchronized global central bank hawkishness, compounding uncertainty from the Fed Chair Powell investigation.
TCOM
Falling: Shares plunged over 20% on news of a Chinese government antitrust probe.
10:00 PM ET

BREAKING OVERNIGHT: Fed Chair Powell Under Criminal Investigation, Rate Cuts At Risk! A bombshell report reveals Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is facing a criminal inquiry concerning a $2.5 billion headquarters renovation, with grand jury subpoenas issued. Bank of America warns this unprecedented probe could significantly delay planned interest rate cuts and embolden FOMC hawks, threatening the Fed's independence from political influence. Global central bankers are reportedly rallying in solidarity with Powell, concerned about legal tools being used as monetary policy leverage. Traders in the derivatives market are already repositioning, with a "growing camp" betting on no Fed cuts in 2026, signaling a "higher-for-longer and legal-for-longer" environment for borrowing costs and a potentially choppier ride for rate-sensitive sectors like tech and REITs.

Geopolitical Tensions Flare: In other pressing news, Iran briefly closed its airspace late Wednesday due to escalating tensions with the United States, forcing airlines to reroute flights across the region. This development adds a fresh layer of geopolitical risk to market texture, warranting close monitoring.

Amazon Battles Saks Over Bankruptcy Funding: E-commerce giant Amazon is challenging Saks' proposed $1.75 billion bankruptcy funding deal. Amazon asserts the financing terms would render Saks' equity "worthless" and harm other unsecured creditors, signaling a potentially contentious legal battle ahead for the beleaguered retailer.

Stocks in Focus

AMZN
Falling: Challenges Saks bankruptcy funding, claims equity 'worthless'.
BAC
Falling: Bank of America warns Powell probe delays rate cuts, raising market instability.
9:00 PM ET

Breaking: Toyota Industries Jumps on Sweetened Buyout Offer: Toyota Motor has reportedly raised its tender offer for **Toyota Industries** by over 15%, pushing the deal value past **$35 billion**. This significant increase in the buyout price is driving shares of Toyota Industries sharply higher in early trade.

Breaking: Apple Doubles Down on Services & AI with Creator Studio Launch: AAPL is making a strategic play, unveiling **Apple Creator Studio**, a new subscription bundle for professional creative tools like Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro, priced aggressively at $12.99/month. This launch, combined with the recent **Google Gemini AI partnership**, highlights Apple's accelerated push into AI and high-margin services. Wedbush analyst Dan Ives maintains an Outperform rating and a $350 price target, anticipating substantial AI monetization ahead.

Tech Sector Faces Headwinds, Nasdaq Drags: Despite individual stock catalysts, the broader tech sector is experiencing a wave of selling pressure. The **Nasdaq Composite dropped 1%** and the **S&P 500 fell 0.5%**, indicating a general market drag from technology shares.

Earlier Today: SK Hynix Fuels AI Memory Race, MSFT Hits Lows: Earlier in the session, **SK Hynix committed $13 billion** to bolster its AI memory capacity, intensifying competition in high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and advanced chips. This move underscores robust demand for AI infrastructure, benefiting sector peers like **Samsung (SSNLF)**, **Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM)**, and **Micron (MU)**. Meanwhile, **Microsoft (MSFT)** shares hit a **six-month low**, trading below key 50- and 200-day moving averages as investors look ahead to January 28 earnings.

Stocks in Focus

AAPL
Rising: Launch of Creator Studio; Google Gemini AI partnership; analyst upgrade.
MSFT
Falling: Six-month low; trading below 50- and 200-day moving averages.
MU
Rising: SK Hynix $13B AI memory investment signals strong sector demand.
SSNLF
Rising: SK Hynix $13B AI memory investment signals strong sector demand.
TM
Rising: Sweetened buyout offer from Toyota Motor, over $35 billion.
TSM
Rising: SK Hynix $13B AI memory investment signals strong sector demand.
8:00 PM ET

Nvidia CEO Tempers AI Hype, Reinforcing Core Strength: NVDA's Jensen Huang delivered a 'reality check' on the extreme 'God AI' narrative, shifting focus to practical AI applications. While tempering broader speculative expectations, this perspective ultimately underscores Nvidia's indispensable role in the AI build-out. The article highlights NVDA's dominant 95% AI processor market share, robust Data Center sales, and the significant moat provided by its CUDA platform, reinforcing investor confidence in the company's sustainable long-term growth as the foundational AI infrastructure provider.

Private Cyber Security Funding: In related tech news, Aikido Security successfully secured $60M in Series B funding, achieving a $1B valuation. This indicates strong investor confidence within the application security sector, though its direct impact on public markets remains contained.

Stocks in Focus

NVDA
Rising: CEO's 'reality check' on AI reinforces NVDA's indispensable infrastructure role and market dominance.