Asian stocks today: Markets trade mixed after bumper TSMC results; Taiwan adds over 2%, HSI falls 70 points – The Times of India
Asian stock markets are trading on a mixed note on Friday, as upbeat earnings from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) supported confidence in artificial intelligence-linked stocks, even while broader regional sentiment remained cautious.Taiwan was up 2.11% or 649 points to 31,459. In South Korea, Kospi was trading in green, with a gain of 30 points or 0.64%. Meanwhile, Shanghai and Shenzhen dipped in red, trimming 0.22 and 0.1 points, respectively. Hong Hong’s HSI was also down, dipping 0.27% or 70 points to reach 26,851 at 10:20 am IST. The mood followed a rebound in US equities after two sessions of losses. Oil prices were largely unchanged, helped by indications that US President Donald Trump had stepped away from immediate military action against Iran.TSMC shares rose 4.4% in US trading and gained another 2.4% in Taipei. Taiwan stood out in early Asian trade as shares in Taipei climbed after the United States announced it had concluded a trade agreement with the self-ruled island that would lower tariffs on Taiwanese goods. Taiwan holds a crucial position in global supply chains, particularly in the production of semiconductor chips that power everything from consumer electronics to advanced computing. Concerns have persisted among some investors that the rapid rise in AI-related stocks, which has helped push global markets to record levels, could eventually unwind sharply. However, TSMC’s latest quarterly performance appeared to counter those fears. The company reported a net profit for the fourth quarter that exceeded market expectations, signalling continued demand for AI-driven technologies. Meanwhile, oil prices remained steady as geopolitical tensions appeared to ease. The United States said on Thursday that Iran had stopped 800 executions of protesters following pressure from Trump, after Gulf allies reportedly discouraged military action in response to Tehran’s crackdown on demonstrations. Precious metals also found some stability amid the calmer backdrop. Silver recovered most of its losses after plunging 7% earlier. However, the White House said that “all options remain on the table for the president” and confirmed the imposition of fresh sanctions against Iranian officials.
