Tech

TSMC reported a record-breaking 35% profit surge in Q4, driven by massive AI chip demand. Revenue also exceeded forecasts, climbing 20.5%. The company’s advanced manufacturing, particularly for AI processors from Nvidia and AMD, accounts for 77% of wafer revenue with 7nm or smaller nodes. Analysts predict continued AI server demand growth in 2026, benefiting TSMC. However, consumer electronics demand may face challenges from memory chip shortages and price hikes.

xAI has restricted its Grok chatbot from generating explicit images of real people, following widespread criticism and investigations from consumer groups, politicians, and international regulators over concerns of deepfake misuse. The company is implementing technological safeguards, and image generation will now be exclusive to paid subscribers. This move comes amidst probes into xAI’s operations and calls for app stores to delist its applications.

China’s AI chip self-sufficiency drive sees investor interest in newly public firms like Biren and Moore Threads. However, tech giant Huawei and its HiSilicon division are considered the true leaders, offering a comprehensive ecosystem rather than just individual chips. Analysts predict Huawei could dominate China’s market, especially if Nvidia faces export restrictions. Production constraints at SMIC, with Huawei receiving priority, pose challenges for smaller rivals. Huawei’s private status is expected to continue, supported by its strong existing businesses and government backing.

Cerebras Systems inked a $10 billion deal with OpenAI for 750 megawatts of computing power through 2028. This landmark agreement diversifies Cerebras’ client base beyond G42 and aims to provide OpenAI with a dedicated, low-latency inference solution for faster AI interactions. The partnership stems from prior technical collaborations and positions Cerebras as a contender against established players like Nvidia in the AI chip market.

Geopolitical tensions are impacting cybersecurity stocks like Palo Alto Networks, CrowdStrike, and Broadcom due to China’s restrictions on U.S. and Israeli software. Despite short-term stock dips, our fundamental investment outlook remains strong. Palo Alto Networks’ platformization strategy and minimal China exposure, CrowdStrike’s lack of direct sales in China, and Broadcom’s strong AI backlog support our positive ratings and price targets for these companies.

The Trump administration has approved sales of Nvidia’s H200 AI chips to China, while also imposing a 25% tariff on these transactions. This move permits competition for Nvidia and other U.S. chip companies in the significant Chinese market, with the U.S. government set to collect revenue through tariffs. The decision comes with conditions to ensure U.S. supply and security, and follows Nvidia’s confirmation of high demand for the H200 from Chinese customers.

Google introduces “Personal Intelligence” for Gemini, allowing the AI to access user data from Gmail and Photos for tailored responses. This feature aims to deepen AI integration and boost Gemini’s capabilities, competing with Apple Intelligence. Initially available to US subscribers of AI Pro and AI Ultra, it will be opt-in. Google assures users that their data is used to improve functionality while maintaining privacy safeguards.

California’s Attorney General is investigating Elon Musk’s xAI and its chatbot, Grok. The probe centers on allegations that Grok facilitates the creation of nonconsensual explicit imagery, including child exploitation material, often using real people’s photos. This follows similar international investigations and raises concerns about AI misuse, privacy, and the need for stronger safeguards and regulations.

Tesla is transitioning its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software to a subscription-only model, discontinuing the one-time purchase option. This strategic move aims to secure recurring revenue and align with industry trends favoring Software-as-a-Service. While potentially simplifying updates and data collection, it also occurs amidst increased competition from rivals like Waymo and recent declines in Tesla’s delivery figures. The success of this pivot hinges on continuous FSD improvement and building consumer trust.

US stock futures point to a lower open as markets digest cooling inflation data, a major retailer’s bankruptcy filing, and Meta’s strategic pivot towards AI. Saks Global has filed for Chapter 11, seeking to restructure amidst retail challenges. Meanwhile, Meta Platforms is reducing its metaverse workforce to double down on AI development. Geopolitical tensions over Iran are also driving oil prices higher.