🌍 Morning Update - 15 January 2026 (Thu)

📈 Equities

US equity index futures are rebounding after two days of selling, supported by strong results from TSMC - a key sentiment test for AI-linked giants such as Nvidia and AMD.

Nasdaq futures are leading the gains (US100: +0.3%), followed by the Russell 2000 (US2000: +0.25%), S&P 500 (US500: +0.15%), and the Dow Jones (US30: +0.1%).

🧠 Semiconductors / AI

TSMC posted a record fourth-quarter profit, with net income up 35%, beating consensus estimates on strong demand for AI and high-performance computing chips. Revenue exceeded NT$1 trillion for the first time, while chips below 7 nm accounted for 77% of sales. Growth is being driven mainly by high-end AI demand and expanding capacity in next-generation nodes (including 2 nm).

🌏 Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific sentiment is mixed. Japan’s Nikkei 225 pulled back from yesterday’s all-time high (-0.9%) as bond yields rebounded and hopes for further fiscal support cooled. Meanwhile, Chinese markets remain cautious as technology sentiment softens. In contrast, gains were seen in South Korea (Kospi: +1.3%) and Australia (AU200.cash: +0.3%).

💱 FX

USD/JPY remains under close watch after renewed concern about FX volatility. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reportedly raised the issue with Japan’s finance leadership, urging steady monetary policy and clearer communication.

The US dollar index is rebounding after yesterday’s pullback (USDIDX: +0.1%), driven mainly by weakness in the Swiss franc (USDCHF: +0.15%) and the yen (USDJPY: +0.2%). The Australian dollar is holding firmer (AUDUSD flat), while EURUSD is down 0.1% near 1.1635.

🧩 China / Chips

China is reportedly preparing rules to limit the number of advanced AI chips local companies can purchase from foreign suppliers, including Nvidia. The restrictions are expected to be implemented as order caps rather than a complete ban, adding uncertainty to the regional AI-tech environment.

🥇 Metals

Precious metals are retreating sharply after their recent rally driven by elevated geopolitical uncertainty. Silver is leading the decline, falling back below $90 (-4% to $89.30), followed by platinum (-3.2% to $2,326). Gold is easing more moderately (-0.4% to $4,606).

🛢️ Oil

Brent and WTI have snapped a five-day rally, sliding about 1.5%, as traders lock in profits and reassess geopolitical risk premiums.

🪙 Crypto

Cryptocurrencies are also correcting: Bitcoin is down 0.8% near $96,290, while Ethereum is down 1.1% to around $3,315.

✅ Trade smart today - stay disciplined and manage risk! 🚀