Dow Futures are experiencing an uptick following robust earnings from the leading global contract chipmaker, which provided a boost to broader markets in the previous session. TSMC’s shares in Taiwan experience an increase, as focus shifts to a series of new bank earnings reports in the U.S. In other markets, gold prices are pulling back from their peak levels, while oil prices are stabilizing after experiencing significant declines.

Dow Futures indicated an upward trajectory on Friday, as investors focused on a renewed wave of optimism surrounding artificial intelligence, spurred by impressive earnings reported by TSMC earlier this week. At 03:03, the futures contract experienced an increase of 88 points, equating to 0.2%. Additionally, another futures contract rose by 25 points, representing a 0.4% gain, while a separate futures contract saw an uptick of 138 points, or 0.5%. The primary indices experienced a significant increase on Thursday, driven by TSMC’s results, which catalyzed a surge in AI-related companies including Nvidia, Applied Materials, and Advanced Micro Devices, as well as their European counterparts like ASM International and ASML. However, analysts at Vital Knowledge highlighted that the gains in stocks were not as strong as they had been earlier in the session, with some prominent legacy software companies — such as Salesforce — experiencing declines due to “ongoing ripple effects” from the introduction of new AI products by firms like Anthropic and Alibaba. The economic data released from the U.S. was generally robust, although the figures reinforced expectations for a hawkish stance on interest rates from the Federal Reserve, as noted by analysts. The likelihood that the forthcoming Fed reduction will be postponed until July has risen, contributing to an increase in bond yields. Geopolitical developments remained a significant backdrop. U.S. President Donald Trump’s assertion that tensions in Iran were easing had a negative impact on oil prices. Meanwhile, indications of unrest were emerging in Greenland, where several NATO countries have stationed troops following the White House’s statements regarding the necessity for the U.S. to acquire the semi-autonomous Danish territory.

TSMC shares experienced an uptick in Taipei trade on Friday, following the company’s impressive quarterly earnings report and its assertion that demand from the AI sector continues to be robust. TSMC experienced an increase of nearly 3%, concluding the trading session at T$1,740.0. The U.S. shares experienced a modest increase in extended hours trading, following a notable advance of 4.4% on Thursday. The chipmaker reported a larger-than-anticipated, record-setting profit for the fourth quarter, as it sustained advantages from significant AI-driven demand for its advanced chips. CEO C.C. Wei indicated that the AI boom shows no signs of abating, asserting that even with anticipated high costs in 2026, TSMC’s earnings are expected to persist in their upward trajectory. The company serves as a crucial supplier to prominent U.S. technology firms, including Nvidia and Apple, and has experienced significant advantages from the recent surge in chip demand driven by advancements in artificial intelligence.

Upcoming on the earnings calendar, results from a number of U.S. banks are set to be disclosed. Reports from America’s largest financial institutions earlier this week highlighted how a tumultuous 2025 in the financial markets benefited trading operations. A resurgence in dealmaking activity has significantly enhanced investment banking fees, as noted by Morgan Stanley’s finance chief, who indicated an uptick in the pipeline of mergers and public listings. JPMorgan Chase’s CFO indicated that “strong client engagement” is anticipated to persist through 2026. The Vital Knowledge analysts noted that the major banks have “spoken positively about the macro landscape,” highlighting expectations for resilience in the U.S. economy this year, notwithstanding various uncertainties in the broader outlook.

Gold prices experienced a slight decline, remaining beneath the record highs reached earlier this week. This movement was influenced by stable U.S. labor market data, which tempered expectations for immediate Federal Reserve rate cuts. Additionally, diminishing concerns regarding unrest in Iran contributed to a reduction in safe-haven demand. Spot gold was last down 0.2% at $4,605.20 an ounce, while U.S. Gold Futures had declined 0.3% to $4,608.86. The yellow metal has experienced a decline from its record high of $4,642.72 per ounce achieved on Wednesday. In spite of the slight retracement, bullion remained positioned for a weekly increase of approximately 2%.

Oil prices experienced an upward movement, consolidating following significant losses in prior sessions, as concerns regarding an imminent U.S. strike on Iran diminished, alleviating certain supply risks. Brent futures increased by 0.1%, reaching $63.84 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures saw a rise of 0.2%, settling at $59.30 per barrel. Both contracts experienced a decline exceeding 4% in the prior session following President Trump’s remarks indicating that Tehran’s suppression of the protesters was diminishing, thereby alleviating apprehensions regarding potential military interventions that might interfere with oil supplies. Nonetheless, the crude benchmarks are poised to conclude the week with minimal change, following a rise to multi-month highs earlier in the week amid escalating protests in Iran.