TSMC reports 40% profit surge as AI demand drives global chip expansion

Exterior view of TSMC headquarters in Taiwan, featuring the company’s logo and a semiconductor wafer reflecting light, symbolizing its leadership in AI chip manufacturing.

TAIPEI, Taiwan — Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) reported a nearly 40% jump in net profit for the July September quarter, propelled by the surging global demand for artificial intelligence chips and resilient semiconductor sales to major clients including Apple and Nvidia. The company, the world’s largest contract chipmaker, posted a record net profit of … Read more

China defends rare earth export controls amid rising US trade tensions

Excavation trucks and heavy machinery operate at a rare earth mining site in China, symbolizing the nation’s new rare earth export controls amid U.S. trade tensions.

BEIJING — China’s state media on Thursday published a seven point rebuttal to US criticism over its new rare earth export controls, pushing back against accusations that the measures amount to an economic power play.  The exchange marks the latest flashpoint in a widening dispute between Washington and Beijing over critical minerals and trade policy, … Read more

Global markets today: Shares rise, dollar weakens as Fed rate cut bets grow

U.S. dollar notes in front of an electronic stock market board showing price movements, symbolizing currency and equity trends in global markets today.

Global markets today climbed on Wednesday as investors reacted to dovish remarks from US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell and strong quarterly results from major Wall Street banks.  The US dollar weakened while European and Asian equities rebounded after a turbulent start to the week driven by escalating US China trade tensions. Market optimism returned … Read more

Foxconn rare earths impact limited for now amid China’s new export restrictions

Foxconn facility exterior in Taipei, highlighting the company’s logo amid China’s rare earth export curbs.

TAIPEI — Taiwan’s Foxconn said Wednesday it expects little immediate disruption from China’s newly expanded rare earth export restrictions, though company officials warned that prolonged trade tensions could eventually affect global industries. “If the ongoing restrictions continue to escalate tensions, it will impact industries across the board, not just Foxconn,” Chairman Young Liu told reporters … Read more

Wall Street ends mixed as banks rally on upbeat results, while tariff tensions cloud outlook

Wall Street sign in front of the New York Stock Exchange building as markets end mixed amid banking gains and tariff tensions.

NEW YORK — Wall Street closed mixed Friday as banking stocks rallied on stronger than expected earnings, even as rising US China trade tensions and new port fees rattled global markets.  The S&P 500 dipped modestly, the Nasdaq slid, but gains in industrials and financials propped up the Dow. Investors remain cautious of the evolving … Read more

Cathie Wood trims AI holdings amid market recalibration

Cathie Wood trims AI holdings as ARK Invest adjusts portfolio strategy

NEW YORK — Cathie Wood, founder and chief executive of ARK Invest, trimmed her firm’s position in artificial intelligence giant Palantir Technologies, signaling a tactical shift as valuations across the AI sector soar. According to ARK’s daily trade filings, the firm sold about 4,000 Palantir shares on October 10, worth roughly $754,000. Though modest, the … Read more

Dow sinks 400 points after Trump China tariff threat rattles investors

Stock trader reacts to market drop after Trump China tariff threat causes major selloff.

NEW YORK — US stocks fell sharply Friday after former President Donald Trump threatened to impose significantly higher tariffs on Chinese imports, accusing Beijing of “becoming very hostile” and tightening control over its rare earth metal exports.  The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 449 points, or roughly 1%, in a sudden midday selloff that erased … Read more