Wall Street set for positive start as TMSC continues to settle tech jitters

• Chip stocks rallied after TSMC earnings and news of a US-Taiwan trade deal that could channel $250 billion into American chip and technology manufacturing
• Markets showed resilience despite a heavy news backdrop including Iran tensions, Greenland debate, and a criminal probe raising questions about Federal Reserve independence under President Trump
• Oil prices rose with Brent crude above $64 per barrel as fears of military strikes on Iran eased, while silver slipped but remained up over 15% for the week

Market Summary: Wall Street Poised for Tech-Led Gains on TSMC Optimism

Market Movement:

US stock futures rose Friday morning, with tech-leading gains. Nasdaq 100 futures climbed 0.5%, while S&P 500 futures added 0.2%. Dow Jones futures remained flat due to lower tech exposure. The advance follows Thursday's rebound after a two-day decline.

Key Catalyst:

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) continued easing tech sector concerns. Chip stocks, including Nvidia, posted gains. Market sentiment received a significant boost from a US-Taiwan trade agreement expected to direct $250 billion into American chip and technology manufacturing.

Sector Performance:

Technology stocks drove the rally, with semiconductor companies at the forefront. Financial sector earnings provided additional support, with mid-sized lenders PNC Financial Services and Regions Financial in focus following strong results from Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley earlier in the week.

Commodities:

Oil prices strengthened as geopolitical tensions eased, with Brent crude trading above $64 per barrel amid reduced concerns about military strikes on Iran. Silver declined as tariff risks diminished, though the metal remained up over 15% for the week.

Market Context:

Despite Friday's positive opening, major US indices remain on track to finish the week slightly lower, reflecting ongoing volatility. Markets have faced headwinds from geopolitical tensions involving Iran, Greenland discussions, and a criminal probe affecting Federal Reserve independence under President Trump. US markets will be closed Monday for a long weekend.

The early 2026 trading period has been characterized by heightened uncertainty, with Thursday's gains providing only partial relief from recent market turbulence.