U.S. stocks

U.S. stocks rose Thursday, boosted by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing’s (TSMC) optimistic revenue forecast, offsetting concerns about escalating U.S.-China trade tensions. TSMC’s strong earnings, driven by demand for AI-related high-performance computing, benefited Nvidia and Broadcom. Starbucks also gained on positive China valuation revisions, while Salesforce surged following a bullish analyst presentation highlighting AI integration and CRM market share growth.

U.S. equities experienced volatile trading influenced by trade tensions and economic signals. Trump’s China trade threats, specifically regarding cooking oil, added market uncertainty. Despite this, positive earnings reports from major financial institutions and hints of a potential pause in the Federal Reserve’s tightening monetary policy offered some support. Oracle’s move to diversify AI chip suppliers, lessening reliance on Nvidia, signals a healthy competition. Chinese firms are increasingly choosing Hong Kong for IPOs amid stricter regulations elsewhere.

US stocks experienced a volatile day, closing mixed. Initial optimism about potential US-China trade de-escalation faded after Trump threatened action on cooking oil. Powell hinted at a possible end to Fed tightening. Major bank earnings exceeded expectations. Oracle will use AMD’s AI chips, diversifying from Nvidia. Trump is credited for brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

U.S. stocks fell sharply as Apple shares dropped 3%, losing over $100 billion in value after Donald Trump threatened 25% tariffs on iPhones unless production shifts to the U.S. Analysts note Apple’s supply chain—heavily reliant on China and India with $50+ billion in existing investments—makes rapid relocation unrealistic. Despite political pressure, Apple’s 2023 supplier list includes 180+ Chinese firms, highlighting logistical barriers. While Trump’s remarks amplified U.S.-China trade concerns, the stock decline reflects recalibration of political risks in tech valuations rather than panic, given entrenched global manufacturing infrastructure.