最新ニュース VanEck Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:SMH)

VanEck Semiconductor ETF

Technology

The Fund normally invests at least 80 percent of its total assets in securities that comprise the Funds benchmark index. The Semiconductor Index includes common stocks and depositary receipts of U.S. exchange-listed companies in the semiconductor industry. Such companies may include medium-capitalization companies and foreign companies that are listed on a U.S. exchange. To be initially eligible for the Semiconductor Index, companies must generate at least 50 percent of their revenues from semiconductors. Semiconductors include companies engaged primarily in the production of semiconductors and semiconductor equipment. Of the largest 50 stocks in the semiconductor industry by full market capitalization, the top 25 by free-float market capitalization (i.e., includes only shares that are readily available for trading in the market) and three month average daily trading volume are included in the Semiconductor Index. 

NVIDIA Corporation

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co L

Broadcom Inc

Advanced Micro Devices Inc

Asml Holding Nv

Lam Research Corp

Texas Instruments Inc

Intel Corp

MICRON TECHNOLOGY INC

ETRACS Monthly Pay 2x Leveraged Small Cap High Dividend ETN Series B

SAMTY HLDGS CO LTD by SAMTY HLDGS CO LTD.

SIMCERE PHARM GRP LTD by SIMCERE PHARMACEUTICAL GROUP LTD

Simcere Pharmaceutical Group Ltd

Seacor Marine Holdings Inc

SMOORE INTL HLDGS ADR by Smoore International Holdings Ltd.

Smoore International Holdings Ltd

VanEck Fabless Semiconductor ETF

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/taiwan" rel="noreferrer noopener">Taiwan&#8217;s Financial Supervisory Commission</a> is exploring the removal of the 30% cap for constituent member stocks in the market capitalization of local index ETFs.
The Taiwanese regulator may approve appropriate amendments in the first half of this year, Bloomberg <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-21/taiwan-considers-lifting-weighting-cap-on-etfs-as-tsmc-surges?sref=TBDibEcD" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a> on Friday.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43860815/lam-research-unveils-ai-chipmaking-tools-secures-tsmc-and-micron-as-customers-projects-up-to-28-billion-revenue-by-2028-plans-85-free-cash-flow-return" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lam Research Unveils AI Chipmaking Tools, Projects Big Returns</a>
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>) member weighting in local equity benchmark Taiex climbed to 37%, making adjustments in ETF products tracking the index difficult.
The chipmaker stock surged 140% since the global artificial intelligence investing frenzy in late 2022. Taiwan Semiconductor stock surged 60% in the last 12 months. It is the key supplier of AI chips for Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) GPUs and Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) smartphones.
The AI frenzy is in no mood to slow down. Reportedly, Microsoft Corp&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/01/43316522/not-just-deepseek-alibaba-unveils-ai-model-to-rival-openais-operator" rel="noreferrer noopener">committed $80 billion</a> in AI infrastructure spending&nbsp;for 2025, and&nbsp;Meta Platforms Inc&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>)&nbsp;earmarked $60-65 billion.
The Taiwanese contract chipmaker&#8217;s rumored Intel Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) deal could <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/02/43815191/taiwan-semiconductors-potential-intel-takeover-could-widen-gap-threatening-samsungs-chip-business-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">expand its market share</a> to 75% (up from 64.9% in the third quarter of 2024) and could further increase the market cap of the stock.
Taiwan looks to boost U.S. trade and defense ties, addressing President Donald Trump&#8217;s chip concerns as the chipmaker invests <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43727973/taiwan-semiconductor-eyes-us-expansion-amid-taiwans-push-for-bigger-investments-and-advanced-chip-production" rel="noreferrer noopener">$65 billion in Arizona fabs</a>.
Trump had verbally attacked Taiwan since his presidential campaign days for allegedly undermining U.S. manufacturing of semiconductor chips, including the lack of a formal defense treaty between the Chinese-claimed Taiwan as its most significant international backer and arms supplier.
Trump also criticized Taiwan for its trade surplus with the U.S.. He threatened to impose 100% tariffs on Taiwan-made chips. Reportedly, Trump plans to scrap the US CHIPS and Science Act, which Taiwan Semiconductor is a significant beneficiary of.
Meanwhile, Taiwan Semiconductor ramped up U.S. expansion, spending $17.14 billion on advanced chips and packaging as Taiwan seeks a global AI chip alliance.
Investors can gain exposure to Taiwan Semiconductor through VanEck Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMH#NASDAQ">SMH</a>) and iShares Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOXX#NASDAQ">SOXX</a>).
Price Action:&nbsp;TSM stock traded higher by 0.75% to $201.60 premarket at the last check on Friday.
Also Read:
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</ul>
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AAPL

INTC

MSFT

NVDA

iShares PHLX SOX Semiconductor Sector Index Fund

SOXX

Taiwan Semiconductor Too Big For The Index, Regulator Considers Lifting Weight Cap

Investors are scrambling to assess the potential fallout of yet <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/tariffs">another tectonic trade decision</a>. 
What Happened: President Donald Trump plans to impose a 25% levy on <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43805852/trump-shakes-global-trade-with-25-auto-chip-and-pharma-tariffs-announcement-asian-stocks-pare-their-five-day-rally">auto, semiconductor, and pharmaceutical imports</a>,
This move could have far-reaching consequences for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs">ETFs with heavy exposure to these sectors</a>, particularly those tracking automakers, chipmakers, and biotech firms.
Trump's protectionist stance triggered an immediate market response across the global markets. Asian stocks retreated after a five-day rally, with the MSCI Asia Pacific Index slipping, particularly affecting Japanese automakers like Toyota Motor Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TM#NYSE">TM</a>).
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/02/43795579/warren-buffett-unfazed-by-trumps-tariff-threats-oracle-of-omaha-bets-on-mexico-beer">Warren Buffett Unfazed By Trump&#8217;s Tariff Threats: Oracle Of Omaha Bets On Mexico, Beer</a>
Automakers: The U.S. imported around 8 million passenger cars and light trucks last year, comprising 50% of total vehicle sales, according to a report by Wall Street Journal. A 25% tariff would increase vehicle prices, impact supply chains, and hurt companies dependent on overseas manufacturing. 
Here are a few ETFs likely to take a hit:
<ul>
<li>Global X Autonomous &amp; Electric Vehicles ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DRIV#NASDAQ">DRIV</a>): Fairly exposed to Toyota, Tesla (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>), and Ford (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/F#NYSE">F</a>), this fund could face turbulence as trade tensions mount.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>First Trust NASDAQ Global Auto Index Fund (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CARZ#NASDAQ">CARZ</a>): Tracks major global automakers, including BMW, Honda, and General Motors (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GM#NYSE">GM</a>), which rely on imported parts. The ETF also has significant exposure to Toyota and Tesla and allocates 46% of its assets to overseas stocks. That places it in a precarious position amid escalating tariff situations.</li>
</ul>
Chips: Trump also declared that sectoral tariffs on semiconductors would start at "25% or higher", escalating further over time. This comes as the U.S. considers a 100% tariff on Taiwanese semiconductors, an industry heavily reliant on TSMC (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>).
<ul>
<li>iShares Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOXX#NASDAQ">SOXX</a>) – With Nvidia (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>), and Broadcom (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>) among its top holdings, this fund is exposed to volatility stemming from supply chain disruptions.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>VanEck Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMH#NASDAQ">SMH</a>) – Heavily weighted towards TSMC, Intel (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>), and Qualcomm (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QCOM#NASDAQ">QCOM</a>), making it vulnerable to any tariff escalation.</li>
</ul>
Pharma: The pharmaceutical sector is also caught in the crosshairs, with Trump hinting at escalating tariffs beyond 25% over the year. This could upend drug pricing, R&amp;D costs, and supply chain dynamics for major biopharma companies.
<ul>
<li>iShares U.S. Pharmaceuticals ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IHE#NYSE">IHE</a>): Tracks major drugmakers like Pfizer (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PFE#NYSE">PFE</a>), Merck (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>), and Johnson &amp; Johnson (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>), all of which could see higher costs.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>SPDR S&amp;P Biotech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XBI#NYSE">XBI</a>): While biotech firms often have global R&amp;D operations, increased tariffs could disrupt access to imported drug components.</li>
</ul>
Why It Matters: Trump has long voiced concerns over U.S. automotive exports being treated unfairly abroad. In his first term, he threatened a similar 25% car tariff but ultimately backed down.
For ETF investors, volatility is back on the table. Those holding funds exposed to autos, chips, and pharmaceuticals must brace for a bumpy ride. While Trump believes the move will bring manufacturing back home, the short-term pain could be severe.
The Wall Street Journal reported that U.S. companies may receive a phase-in period, with tariffs increasing over the course of the year.
What's Next: Markets will be watching closely as April 2 (when auto tariffs are expected to kick in) approaches. Any delays or modifications to the tariff plan could shift investor sentiment. 
For now, ETF traders should keep an eye on sectoral rotation, hedge exposure where necessary, and prepare for the potential impact of another round of trade wars.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/broad-u-s-equity-etfs/25/02/43794873/vanguard-overtakes-state-street-as-top-etf-provider-3-funds-in-focus">Vanguard Overtakes State Street As Top ETF Provider: 3 Funds In Focus</a></li>
</ul>
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Broad U.S. Equity ETFs

ETFs

AVGO

CARZ

DRIV

iShares Dow Jones US Pharmaceuticals Index Fund

QCOM

TSLA

Trade War Redux: These ETFs Due For Bumpy Ride Thanks To Trump Tariffs On Auto, Pharma, Chip Imports

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Market Summary

Economics

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Benzinga Market Summary: Trump Indicates Plans To Impose 25% Tariffs On Autos, Chips And Pharmaceuticals, Natural Gas Rises On Cold Weather Forecasts, Oil Rises On Supply Uncertainty After Reports Of Attack On Russia Oil Pipeline

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/taiwan" rel="noreferrer noopener">plans to invest</a> more in and trade more with the U.S. while ramping up defense spending to assuage President Donald Trump's concerns over the chip industry.
Taiwan is home to the leading contract chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>), a major supplier to companies including Apple&nbsp;Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>)&nbsp;and Nvidia&nbsp;Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), and a crucial part of the developing AI industry.
Taiwan Semiconductor is investing $65 billion in new factories in the U.S. state of Arizona.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43608591/taiwan-semiconductors-trillion-dollar-valuation-the-chipmaker-enabling-ai-boom" rel="noreferrer noopener">Taiwan Semiconductor's Trillion-Dollar Valuation: The Chipmaker Enabling AI Boom</a>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="650" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/14034002/newplot-9.png" alt="" class="wp-image-782606" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/14034002/newplot-9.png 750w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/14034002/newplot-9-300x260.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>
Apple remains <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/12/42514266/taiwan-semiconductor-unveils-20-billion-arizona-chip-fab-apple-named-key-customer" rel="noreferrer noopener">the largest customer</a> of Taiwan Semiconductor's U.S. operations.
Trump had been critical of Taiwan for allegedly undermining U.S. manufacturing of semiconductor chips, including the lack of a formal defense treaty between the Chinese-claimed Taiwan as its most significant international backer and arms supplier.
Taiwan also has a large trade surplus with the U.S., which surged 83% last year. The island's exports hit a record $111.4 billion, driven by demand for high-tech products such as semiconductors.
Trump has threatened to impose 100% tariffs on Taiwan-made chips, prompting market speculation that Taiwan Semiconductor might consider boosting its chip capacity in the U.S., ramping up production of advanced chips at its Arizona fabs, or building its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43660030/trump-tariff-threats-put-pressure-on-taiwan-semiconductor-could-push-advanced-packaging-capacity-to-us" rel="noreferrer noopener">advanced packaging capacity</a> in the U.S.
Reports also indicated Trump's plans to scrap the U.S.CHIPS and Science Act, where Taiwan Semiconductor is a significant beneficiary.
Ching-te highlighted the importance of the global semiconductor supply chain being an "ecosystem," Reuters cited from a National Security Council meeting.
He urged democratic nations, including the U.S., to build an international alliance for AI chips and a "democratic supply chain" for advanced chips. After that, Taiwan proposed to come up with good proposals and engage in further discussions with the U.S.
On Wednesday, Taiwan Semiconductor held its <a target="_blank" href="https://pr.tsmc.com/english/news/3207" rel="noreferrer noopener">first board meeting</a> in the U.S. The board approved a proposed cash dividend distribution of NT$4.5 per share on an <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/01/43022654/taiwan-semiconductor-q4-earnings-3nm-and-5nm-nodes-lead-topline-growth-expands-margins-issues-strong-q1-outlook" rel="noreferrer noopener">EPS of NT$14.45</a>, implying a payout ratio of 31.1%.
It also approved capital appropriations of $17.14 billion to meet long-term capacity plans.
Taiwan Semiconductor would spend the capex on installing and upgrading advanced technology process capacity, advanced packaging, fab construction, and installation of fab facility systems.
Taiwan Semiconductor stock surged over 56% in the last 12 months. Investors can gain exposure to the stock through VanEck Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMH#NASDAQ">SMH</a>) and iShares Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOXX#NASDAQ">SOXX</a>).
Price Action: TSM stock traded lower by 1.69% to $198.40 premarket at the last check on Friday.
Also Read:
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</ul>
Photo by wakamatsu.h via Shutterstock

Taiwan Semiconductor Eyes US Expansion Amid Push for Bigger Investments and Advanced Chip Production

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/tsmc" rel="noreferrer noopener">stock surged 256%</a> in the last five years as it succeeded in tapping the artificial intelligence boom as a leading contract chipmaker.
It manufactures chips for everything from Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) and Broadcom Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>) processors to chips for Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) electric vehicles, especially their Full Self-Driving (FSD) systems, to Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) smartphones.
All the aforementioned companies command over a trillion-dollar market cap. International Data Corp expects Taiwan Semiconductor to command a 67% share of the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/01/42947562/taiwan-semiconductor-begins-4nm-chip-production-in-arizona-eyes-11-4-billion-q4-profit" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global foundry market</a> in 2025.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43502533/harley-davidson-q4-earnings-struggles-with-sales-drop-but-new-touring-models-boost-market-share" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harley-Davidson Struggles With Sales Drop In Q4, But New Touring Models Boost Market Share</a>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="650" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/10115024/newplot-5.png" alt="" class="wp-image-774936" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/10115024/newplot-5.png 750w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/10115024/newplot-5-300x260.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>
Reportedly, Taiwan Semiconductor is set for&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/01/42843001/taiwan-semiconductor-ramps-up-production-in-japan-us-and-germany-to-diversify-away-from-china" rel="noreferrer noopener">full-capacity production</a> in the U.S. and Germany after commercializing its debut Japanese chip plant in Kikuyo, Kumamoto Prefecture, last December.
Its total investment&nbsp;in the U.S. stands at $65 billion, where Apple is its largest customer. Also, Nvidia is&nbsp;exploring the production&nbsp;of the front-end process of Blackwell AI chips at Taiwan Semiconductor's Arizona plant.
Meanwhile, the chipmaker remains committed to its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/02/43432143/taiwan-semiconductor-plans-massive-1nm-fab-25-in-taiwan-boosting-advanced-chipmaking-capacity" rel="noreferrer noopener">ambitions for domestic expansion</a>. It plans to build a massive 1nm fab in Tainan and expand advanced chip production with six new 12-inch plants. It also targets 1nm and 1.4nm expansion in Taiwan.
The contract chipmaker's move reflects continued demand for Nvidia GPU growth and production of custom-made ASIC chips for Broadcom and Advanced Micro Devices, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>), which cater to smartphones, PCs, automotive, and other applications.
All the aforementioned semiconductor companies were beneficiaries of the AI boom. Reportedly, a third of the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/01/42762874/broadcom-thrives-with-114-stock-surge-in-ai-boom-while-intel-faces-steep-decline" rel="noreferrer noopener">ten global companies</a> worth over $1 trillion came from the chip industry.
The Taiwanese chipmaker's stock gained 59% in the last 12 months, reaching a trillion-dollar valuation as U.S. Big Tech giants, including Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), Amazon.Com Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>), Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), and Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), splurge on their AI data center ambitions to tap the growing demand for AI and cloud computing.
Daniel Ives of Wedbush told Reuters he <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42793394/nvidias-2-trillion-ai-rally-fueled-by-chips-startups-and-robotics" rel="noreferrer noopener">expects tech stocks</a> to surge 25% in 2025, backed by Trump's regulatory policies and AI capital expenditures.
On February 10, Taiwan Semiconductor disclosed that it expects first-quarter revenue at the lower end of $25 billion—$25.8 billion (versus the&nbsp;$24.97 billion consensus estimate) as the <a target="_blank" href="https://pr.tsmc.com/english/news/3204" rel="noreferrer noopener">January 2025 earthquake</a> in Taiwan affected its operations.
However, the chipmaker reiterated its gross margin outlook of 57%—59%. The margin outlook signifies the chipmaker's AI chip moat, differentiating it from Intel Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) and Samsung Electronics (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SSNLF#OTC">SSNLF</a>).
Taiwan Semiconductor's <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/01/43022654/taiwan-semiconductor-q4-earnings-3nm-and-5nm-nodes-lead-topline-growth-expands-margins-issues-strong-q1-outlook" rel="noreferrer noopener">fourth-quarter revenue</a> hit $26.88 billion, up 38.8% (versus a consensus estimate of $26.28 billion), driven by demand for AI chips and advanced node technologies.
As its 3-nm and 5-nm chips gained traction, its gross margins expanded by 600 bps to 59%.
The Taiwanese chipmaker committed fiscal 2025 capex worth $38 billion—$42 billion (versus $29.8 billion a year ago), signifying continued AI momentum.
Taiwan Semiconductor trades at a PE ratio of 29.9x versus Nvidia's 51.3x and Apple's 36.1x.
Goldman Sachs' Bruce Lu&nbsp;had <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42825523/taiwan-semi-likely-for-upside-backed-by-ai-demand-and-advanced-node-pricing-analyst-says" rel="noreferrer noopener">expressed optimism over</a> Taiwan Semiconductor's prospects, citing AI demand and advanced node growth. In 2025, Taiwan Semiconductor's price hikes for 3 and 5-nm nodes (while Intel and Samsung grappled with their AI technology) could boost its margins to over 59%.
Taiwan Semiconductor aggressively expanded its CoWoS capacity in 2024 and will double its capacity again in 2025. Lu sought Taiwan Semiconductor's view on potential new applications beyond AI, such as PCs or smartphones that will also adopt the CoWoS technology.
Taiwan Semiconductor has around 31.6 million shares in the U.S.&nbsp;ETF&nbsp;market. The largest&nbsp;ETF&nbsp;holder is the VanEck Semiconductor&nbsp;ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMH#NASDAQ">SMH</a>) with approximately 16.60 million shares.
Price Action:&nbsp;TSM stock closed higher by 0.89% to $207.95 on Monday.
Also Read:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/02/43501055/fiserv-q4-earnings-merchant-financial-solutions-fuel-growth-double-digit-outlook-for-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fiserv Q4 Earnings: Merchant, Financial Solutions Fuel Growth, Double-Digit Outlook For 2025</a></li>
</ul>
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Taiwan Semiconductor's Trillion-Dollar Valuation: The Chipmaker Enabling AI Boom

Trump Says We Will Put Tariffs On Chips And Oil And Gas, Says Oil And Gas Tariffs By Feb 18

ASML

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MRNA

QRVO

TMUS

Benzinga Market Summary: S&P Slips Ahead Of Fed Decision, RFK Jr. Confirmation Hearings To Begin Today, T-Mobile Surges On Earnings Beat, Chip Stocks Are Mixed At Open

On Tuesday, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/tsmc" rel="noreferrer noopener">stock saw some</a> redemption after <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/01/43221806/nvidia-amd-broadcom-smci-tsmc-and-other-tech-giants-lead-monday-pre-market-selloff-as-nasdaq-100-futures-plummet-over-650-points-amid-reports-of-chinese-ai-startup-deepseek-overtaking-chatgpt" rel="noreferrer noopener">a selloff</a> driven by China's progress in AI on Monday.
The Taiwan economy ministry told Reuters that semiconductor business between Taiwan and the U.S. is a "win-win" model for both sides given the high level of complementarity, especially the U.S.-designed, Taiwan-foundry model. 
The ministry commented in response to tariff threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, something he has been indulging since his presidential campaign days.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43200619/byd-geely-and-saic-fight-back-against-eus-high-ev-tariffs-in-legal-battle" rel="noreferrer noopener">BYD, Geely, SAIC Contest EU's High EV Tariffs In Court</a>
Trump&nbsp;has called Chinese AI start-up&nbsp;DeepSeek's performance&nbsp;a "wake-up call" and "positive" for America's tech sector and threatened tariffs on foreign-made&nbsp;semiconductor chips, including those made by&nbsp;Taiwan Semiconductor, unless they start producing them stateside, SCMP <a target="_blank" href="https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3296523/donald-trump-calls-deepseeks-strong-showing-wake-call-us-tech-sector" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
Taiwan, home to the key contract chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor, is a key link in the global technology supply chain for Apple&nbsp;Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) and Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>).
Trump voiced plans to impose tariffs on imported chips, pharmaceuticals, and steel in line with his MAGA ambitions.
In 2020, under the first Trump administration, Taiwan Semiconductor shared plans to build a $12 billion factory in Arizona. The chipmaker's total investment now stands at $65 billion. It bagged <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/01/43099745/taiwan-semiconductor-touts-1-5-billion-in-us-subsidies-confident-trump-will-maintain-chips-act-backing" rel="noreferrer noopener">$1.5 billion in subsidies</a> from the U.S.
The chipmaker committed $38 billion—$42 billion in fiscal 2025 capex versus fiscal 2024 capex of $29.8 billion.&nbsp;
In January, Taiwan Economy Minister Kuo Jyh-huei voiced the negligible impact of any&nbsp;tariffs on semiconductor exports.
Last week, Trump directed federal agencies to investigate persistent U.S. trade deficits and unfair trade practices by other countries. Taiwan's trade surplus with the U.S. grew 83% in 2024, with exports to the U.S. hitting $111.4 billion.
Recently, Taiwan Semiconductor chief C.C. Wei <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43138590/jim-cramer-says-taiwan-semiconductors-capex-plans-boost-applied-materials-lam-research-kla-stocks" rel="noreferrer noopener">overlooked concerns over</a> U.S. AI sanctions. He flagged the chipmaker's focus on advanced packaging, citing that non-AI sectors like automotive and crypto mining remain unruffled by embargoes.
Taiwan Semiconductor stock surged over 64% in the last 12 months. Investors can gain exposure to the stock through VanEck Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMH#NASDAQ">SMH</a>) and iShares Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOXX#NASDAQ">SOXX</a>).
Price Action:&nbsp;At the last check on Tuesday, TSM stock traded higher by 0.51% to $193.29.
Also Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43197956/qualcomm-gains-2-billion-boost-from-samsung-s25-chipset-deal-analyst-highlights-growth-in-handsets-and-beyond" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Qualcomm Gains $2 Billion Boost From Samsung S25 Chipset Deal, Analyst Highlights Growth in Handsets and Beyond</a></li>
</ul>
Photo by Jack Hong via Shutterstock

Taiwan Semiconductor Stock Rebounds After Selloff, US-Taiwan Chip Partnership Still Faces Tariff Threats

The emergence of DeepSeek, a Chinese artificial intelligence startup <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43232316/deepseek-jitters-shatter-us-tech-stocks-wipe-out-12-trillion-on-wall-street-analyst-eyes-four-chinese-giants-set-to-benefit">rattled the markets</a> on Monday. However, as AI demand continues to rise many described the reaction to be "overdramatic" and suggested to "buy the dip". Here is a list of top semiconductor exchange-traded funds, with the lowest expense ratios that investors could consider. 
What Happened: As DeepSeek boasts of high performance at a significantly lower cost, semiconductor stocks which are the backbone of AI development, bore the brunt of the selloff.
"To me, it's an overreaction," Fundstrat Global Advisors‘ head of research Tom Lee <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/27/tom-lee-calls-market-sell-off-overreaction-nvidia-falls-on-deepseek-news.html?taid=67980792a96d920001c44f58&amp;utm_campaign=trueanthem&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_source=twitter%7Cmain">told </a>CNBC's "Closing Bell," comparing the drop to Nvidia Corp.&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) March 2020 decline that proved to be a significant <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/01/43259288/fundstrats-tom-lee-sees-nvidias-17-plunge-as-an-opportunity-calls-nasdaqs-over-600-points-plunge-drop-a-market-overreaction">entry point</a> for investors.
Similarly, Subho Moulik, the founder and CEO of Appreciate said, "The sudden emergence of DeepSeek is a Sputnik-like moment for the U.S. and potentially undermines U.S. AI exceptionalism, but we see yesterday's panic selling to be overdramatic."
As Nvidia shares <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/01/43259288/fundstrats-tom-lee-sees-nvidias-17-plunge-as-an-opportunity-calls-nasdaqs-over-600-points-plunge-drop-a-market-overreaction">plunged</a> 17% on Monday, eroding $593 billion in <a href="https://x.com/charliebilello/status/1884009665597690125">market capitalization</a>, Moulik said, "It's not just Nvidia, the other semicaps that took a battering in the markets – Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>) and Micron Technology Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MU#NASDAQ">MU</a>) – can be an interesting buy on dip."
Investors could consider buying ETFs with a low expense ratio to "buy on dip." An expense ratio is a percentage that represents the annual cost of owning a fund or an ETF which is calculated by dividing a fund&#8217;s operating expenses by its net assets.
According to <a href="https://www.schwab.com/learn/story/etfs-how-much-do-they-really-cost#:~:text=Investors%20should%20consider%20the%20impact,significantly%20erode%20returns%20over%20time.">Charles Schwab</a>, &#8220;ETFs with lower expense ratios and lower trading costs typically offer better value to investors, because higher expense ratios and/or steeper trading costs may significantly erode returns over time.&#8221; 
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>ETF Name</td>
<td>AUM (In Billion)</td>
<td>Expense Ratio</td>
<td>Six Month Returns</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SPDR S&amp;P Semiconductor ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XSD#NYSE">XSD</a>)</td>
<td>$1.28</td>
<td>0.35%</td>
<td>-0.29%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VanEck Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMH#NASDAQ">SMH</a>)</td>
<td>$23.60</td>
<td>0.35%</td>
<td>-1.17%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>iShares Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOXX#NASDAQ">SOXX</a>)</td>
<td>$13.86</td>
<td>0.35%</td>
<td>-7.14%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FTXL#NASDAQ">FTXL</a>)</td>
<td>$1.32</td>
<td>0.60%</td>
<td>-9.11%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ProShares Ultra Semiconductors (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USD#NYSE">USD</a>)</td>
<td>$1.24</td>
<td>0.95%</td>
<td>-7.38%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Source: <a href="https://www.etf.com/topics/semiconductors">ETF.com</a> </figcaption></figure>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43259969/microsoft-ai-revenue-poised-to-surpass-10-billion-fueling-explosive-growth-says-piper-sandler-as-it-maintains-overweight-rating-on-msft">Microsoft&#8217;s AI Revenue Set To Surpass $10 Billion: Piper Sandler Maintains Overweight Rating </a>
Why It Matters: According to Moulik, DeepSeek&#8217;s claim of lower training costs of $6 million vs ChatGPT&#8217;s $100 million plus, remains unverified. The Chinese firm's reliance on less-advanced Nvidia chips, due to U.S. chip export restrictions, could also hinder its ability to maintain a competitive edge in AI development.
Even if DeepSeek&#8217;s cost claims hold, it&#8217;s still positive for Big Tech, said Moulik, as AI extends beyond Large Language Models. Cost-effective LLM training allows U.S. companies to prioritize <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/01/43222744/verizon-launches-ai-connect-as-mckinsey-predicts-that-60-70-of-ai-workload-will-shift-from-training-to-inferencing-by-2030">LLM inferencing</a> – the next stage. Inferencing involves applying pre-trained LLMs for real-world tasks, optimizing AI investments by shifting focus from costly training to scalable, practical applications, ultimately driving long-term growth.
"For industry leaders like Microsoft Corp. and Alphabet Inc., this means redirecting massive spending from training infrastructure to real-world applications such as search, customer service, and automation," added Moulik. Cloud servers like Amazon.com Inc.&#8217;s Amazon Web Service could benefit too.
Although the short-term will be bumpy, the long-term runway appears stable, added Moulik, "Unless DeepSeek drops another Chinese New Year gift to the world later&nbsp;this&nbsp;year.&#8221;
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/01/43258090/gamestop-short-seller-wants-freedom-of-speech-for-millions-having-stock-market-conversations-questioning-sec-on-what-protects-honest-opinions">Gamestop Short Seller Wants Freedom Of Speech For &#8216;Millions&#8217; Having Stock Market Conversations, Questioning SEC On &#8216;What Protects Honest Opinions?&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Equities

Sector ETFs

FTXL

DeepSeek Buzz Batters Big Tech But This Analyst Says 'Buy The Dip:' Here's Are Top 5 Semiconductor ETFs With The Lowest Expense Ratios That You Can Consider

Hedge funds have always been closely watched for cues on investment opportunities. Although their strategies can be complex, understanding the trends they're bullish on can offer important insights for retail investors. 
Siddharth Singhai, CIO of value-based global hedge fund IronHold Capital, recently shared his perspective on sectors worth watching, and how <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs">ETFs can help investors</a> capitalize on these themes. 
From automobiles and homebuilding to mining and AI, here are some ETFs based on his insights:
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Automobile Industry On Third Gear</h1>
One area drawing attention is the U.S. auto industry. With protectionist policies likely to intensify under the Trump administration, automakers such as General Motors Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GM#NYSE">GM</a>), Ford Motor Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/F#NYSE">F</a>), and Stellantis NV (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/STLA#NYSE">STLA</a>) stand to benefit significantly, according to Singhai. 
Possible tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles could set the playing field for these companies, making the U.S. auto sector one to keep a close eye on. 
&#8220;We do anticipate a clear protectionism policy in place for U.S. auto, specifically the big three: General Motors, Ford and Stellantis. Simply because if the tariffs were not put in place against Chinese EVs, U.S. automakers would be at about a 30% to 40% cost disadvantage, which would essentially mean the end of U.S. auto as we know it,&#8221; said Singhai.
However, as a word of caution, he said that one should be wary of auto companies that might face trouble in the face of EV revolution. 
&#8220;We believe U.S. autos and U.S. auto parts suppliers, who have been hit badly due to the excess inventories prevailing in the U.S. auto industry in general, could be a good hunting ground, potentially. Although investors should be focused on auto suppliers that are probably not going to get disrupted by the EV transition,&#8221; Singhai said.
For investors, ETFs like the First Trust S-Network Future Vehicles &amp; Tech (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CARZ#NASDAQ">CARZ</a>) offer exposure to the expected surge in domestic automotive manufacturing. The ETF has an expense ratio of 0.7% and among its holdings are Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>), Ford, General Motors and Stellantis.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/01/43236579/chinas-deepseek-ai-rattles-tech-stocks">China&#8217;s DeepSeek AI Rattles Tech Stocks, Analyst Ives Says Market Plunge &#8216;Golden Buying Opportunity&#8217;</a>
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Home Building Industry In Focus</h1>
Homebuilders are another promising area, according to Singhai. Despite overvaluation concerns in the equity market, the housing sector continues to experience a significant supply-demand imbalance. Years of undersupply following the 2008 financial crisis created the opportunity for select homebuilding companies to thrive.
&#8220;U.S. market is extremely overvalued at the moment, and there are not that many sectors that could be happy hunting grounds for hedge funds or value investors like us. In general, homebuilders, some of them, seem to be still attractively positioned given the great imbalance between supply and demand, mainly because of years of undersupply post-Great Recession in 2008-&#8217;09. So we believe homebuilders, some of them, present very compelling opportunities,&#8221; Singhai noted.
Investors interested in this space might consider ETFs such as the iShares U.S. Home Construction ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ITB#BATS">ITB</a>), which focuses on leading players in the sector, such as Builders Firstsource, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BLDR#NYSE">BLDR</a>) and Lowes Companies, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LOW#NYSE">LOW</a>). The expense ratio that this ETF carries is 0.39%.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Mining — Hidden Gems To Look For</h1>
Mining is another area that stands out. Many companies in this space, especially low-cost producers, are undervalued and largely overlooked by the market. These firms could see strong performance with a rebound in global demand for raw materials.
&#8220;Mining companies also seem to be hit badly and ignored by investors. You could find some really good mining companies that are the lowest cost producers in their respective industries that could prove to be high performers over the next two to three years,&#8221; Singhai noted from his expertise.
ETFs such as the SPDR S&amp;P Metals and Mining ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XME#NYSE">XME</a>) invest in a range of mining companies and could be a good fit for investors looking to capture growth in this area. The ETF carries an expense ratio of 0.35% and holdings in Hecla Mining Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HL#NYSE">HL</a>) and Reliance Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RS#NYSE">RS</a>), among others.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">AI Trends To Watch</h1>
Singhai also touched upon the continued interest in semiconductors and AI. While these industries are undeniably buzzing, he warns against impulsive investing. Many companies in this space are trading at lofty valuations that may not be sustainable. 
&#8220;I do foresee a lot of hedge funds diving right into semiconductors and AI stocks. I also believe more retail investors will seriously consider allocating capital to this particular sector moving forward as well. However, it is ripe with extreme bubble-like valuations. The marquee names in the AI industry are trading for as high as 20 to 50 times revenue, which to us seems excessive even given the promise of AI,&#8221; he said.
Singhai also added, &#8220;Not all AI companies can capture 50% of the market or even 30% of the market, and if they fail to do so, they cannot foreseeably justify their current valuations. This leads us to the ultimate conclusion that there will be a few big winners and many, many losers within the industry. As such, most AI companies do not deserve their expensive, hefty valuations.&#8221;
For those interested in exploring the AI-driven growth story, a diversified ETF like the VanEck Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMH#NASDAQ">SMH</a>) offers exposure to leading players like NVDIA Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) and Broadcom Inc&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>) while mitigating the risks of betting on individual stocks. And the cost of investing in this ETF is also reasonable at 0.35%.
All that said, Singhai emphasized the route of ETFs should be seen as tools for diversification and steady returns — not as a shortcut to mimicking hedge fund performance. It will be wise for retail investors to focus on sectors with solid fundamentals rather than on speculative trends.
See Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/new-etfs/25/01/43198940/how-foliobeyonds-innovative-fixed-income-etf-can-provide-low-risk-income-generation-in-volatile-tim">How FolioBeyond&#8217;s Innovative Fixed Income ETF Can Provide Low-Risk Income Generation In Volatile Times</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Hedge Funds

BLDR

iShares Dow Jones US Homenstruction Index Fund

STLA

IronHold Capital CIO Reveals Trends Hedge Funds Track: 4 ETFs To Watch

$BTC

Benzinga Market Summary: S&P Pulls Back, Texas Instruments Stock Falls On Soft Guidance, Bitcoin Rises

Benzinga Market Summary: S&P Rises, Oil Falls After Trump Indicates He Will Ask OPEC To Bring Costs Down, Chip Stocks On Watch Following Cautious Demand Outlook From SK Hynix

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="597" src="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/23165334/image-13-1024x597.png" alt="" class="wp-image-4861" srcset="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/23165334/image-13-1024x597.png 1024w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/23165334/image-13-300x175.png 300w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/23165334/image-13-768x448.png 768w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/23165334/image-13.png 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
To gain an edge, this is what you need to know today.
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Trump Key To Market</h4>
An enlarged chart of VanEck Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMH#NASDAQ">SMH</a>).
Note the following:
<ul>
<li>The chart shows yesterday semiconductor stocks attempted to break above the micro resistance zone on Stargate excitement.</li>
<li>The chart shows semiconductor stocks have pulled back to the top of the micro resistance zone.</li>
<li>Musk is throwing cold water on Stargate, claiming Stargate does not have enough money.</li>
<li>As members of The Arora Report, you knew in advance to be skeptical.&nbsp; We wrote in yesterday's Morning Capsule:</li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">In The Arora Report analysis, the headline of $500B for Stargate may turn out to be a mirage.&nbsp; The initial number is $100B and includes previously announced projects.&nbsp; The new funding may be significantly less than $100B.&nbsp; For the time being, the analysis does not matter because the momo crowd is buying extremely aggressively on the headline.
</blockquote>
<ul>
<li>President Trump is speaking today at the Davos World Economic Forum at 11am ET. CEOs, including those of Bank of America Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>) and Blackstone Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BX#NYSE">BX</a>) are expected to ask Trump questions after the speech.</li>
<li>In The Arora Report analysis, CEOs are busy appeasing Trump.&nbsp; As a result, we expect CEOs to ask only questions that appease Trump and refrain from asking hard questions.&nbsp; In The Arora Report analysis, what Trump says will determine if the stock market goes to new highs or pulls back.</li>
<li>In The Arora Report analysis investors should be aware of another important factor that shows the stock market may be poised for a pullback.&nbsp; The composite put/call ratio is a contrary indicator, and it is at the lowest level since 2021.&nbsp; This indicates extreme optimism that often results in a pullback.&nbsp; Does anyone remember the bear market of 2022.&nbsp; As always, no one should make decisions based on only one indicator.&nbsp; Investors should consider making decisions based on a comprehensive 360 degree analysis, such as that achieved by the <a href="https://thearorareport.com/unique-zyx-asset-allocation-3/">adaptive </a>ZYX Asset Allocation Model with <a href="https://thearorareport.com/unique-zyx-asset-allocation-4/">inputs in 10 categories</a>.</li>
<li>Initial jobless claims came at 223K vs. 219K consensus. This indicates the jobs picture remains strong.</li>
</ul>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Japan</h4>
The Bank of Japan (BOJ) is meeting today and tomorrow.&nbsp; In The Arora Report analysis, there is a high probability of a rate increase to 0.5%.&nbsp; The last time BOJ increased rates the Japanese and U.S. stock markets dropped on the unwinding of carry trades. &nbsp; BOJ has been careful to publicize the possibility of a rate increase to avoid a dramatic response this time around.
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Saudi Arabia</h4>
The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia told Trump that Saudi Arabia plans to invest $600B in the U.S. In The Arora Report analysis, this is an indication of how Trump is succeeding in attracting foreign capital to the U.S.&nbsp; Further in The Arora Report analysis, attracting foreign capital to the U.S. is a good way to reduce inflation.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Magnificent Seven Money Flows</h4>
In the early trade, money flows are positive in Apple Inc and Meta Platforms Inc.
In the early trade, money flows are neutral in Amazon.com, Inc., Alphabet Inc Class C, and Tesla Inc.
In the early trade, money flows are negative in Microsoft Corp and NVIDIA Corp.
In the early trade, money flows are negative in SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust and Invesco QQQ Trust Series 1.
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Momo Crowd And Smart Money In Stocks</h4>
Investors can gain an edge by knowing money flows in SPY and QQQ.  Investors can get a bigger edge by knowing when smart money is buying stocks, gold, and oil.  The most popular ETF for gold is SPDR Gold Trust.  The most popular ETF for silver is iShares Silver Trust.  The most popular ETF for oil is United States Oil ETF.
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Bitcoin</h4>
Bitcoin (BTC.USD) is seeing two cross currents.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Selling is coming in along with selling in speculative junk stocks.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Buying is coming in on optimism from Trump pardoning Ross Ulbricht.&nbsp; Ulbricht was the founder of Silk Road.&nbsp; Silk Road facilitated the use of cryptos for criminal activities.&nbsp; Ulbricht was serving two life sentences.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Protection Band And What To Do Now</h4>
It is important for investors to look ahead and not in the rearview mirror.&nbsp; The proprietary protection band from The Arora Report is very popular.&nbsp; The protection band puts all of the data, all of the indicators, all of the news, all of the crosscurrents, all of the models, and all of the analysis in an analytical framework that is easily actionable by investors.
Consider continuing to hold good, very long term, existing positions. Based on individual risk preference, consider a protection band consisting of cash or Treasury bills or short-term tactical trades as well as short to medium term hedges and short term hedges. This is a good way to protect yourself and participate in the upside at the same time.
You can determine your protection bands by adding cash to hedges.&nbsp; The high band of the protection is appropriate for those who are older or conservative. The low band of the protection is appropriate for those who are younger or aggressive.&nbsp; If you do not hedge, the total cash level should be more than stated above but significantly less than cash plus hedges.
A protection band of 0% would be very bullish and would indicate full investment with 0% in cash.&nbsp; A protection band of 100% would be very bearish and would indicate a need for aggressive protection with cash and hedges or aggressive short selling.
It is worth reminding that you cannot take advantage of new upcoming opportunities if you are not holding enough cash.&nbsp; When adjusting hedge levels, consider adjusting partial stop quantities for stock positions (non ETF); consider using wider stops on remaining quantities and also allowing more room for high beta stocks.&nbsp; High beta stocks are the ones that move more than the market.
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Traditional 60/40 Portfolio</h4>
Probability based risk reward adjusted for inflation does not favor long duration strategic bond allocation at this time.
Those who want to stick to traditional 60% allocation to stocks and 40% to bonds may consider focusing on only high quality bonds and bonds of five year duration or less.&nbsp; Those willing to bring sophistication to their investing may consider using bond ETFs as tactical positions and not strategic positions at this time.
The Arora Report is known for its accurate calls. The Arora Report correctly called the big artificial intelligence rally before anyone else, the new bull market of 2023, the bear market of 2022, new stock market highs right after the virus low in 2020, the virus drop in 2020, the DJIA rally to 30,000 when it was trading at 16,000, the start of a mega bull market in 2009, and the financial crash of 2008. Please click here to sign up for a free forever <a href="https://thearorareport.com/generate-wealth-newsletter-benzinga">Generate Wealth Newsletter</a>.

Trading Ideas

Direction Of Stock Market Depends Upon Trump's Speech, Musk Throws Cold Water On AI Stargate

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/tsmc" rel="noreferrer noopener">Contract chipmaker</a> Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>) expressed conviction in the Donald Trump administration&#8217;s commitment to bolstering the country&#8217;s semiconductor position by funding the construction of chipmaker facilities under the CHIPS Act.
Previously, Trump had <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42784508/taiwan-semiconductors-2nm-progress-fuels-taiwan-index-musk-highlights-talent-pool" rel="noreferrer noopener">verbally attacked Taiwan</a> for not having a defense treaty with the U.S. and for allegedly undermining his country&#8217;s chip industry. He also expressed his disapproval of the CHIPS Act.
Taiwan Semiconductor CFO Wendell Huang <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/19/tsmc-confident-in-continued-chips-act-funding-under-trump-says-cfo.html" rel="noreferrer noopener">told</a> CNBC the U.S. chip subsidies will likely continue under Trump as the fabrication plants pass construction and production milestones.&nbsp;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43065734/western-digital-poised-for-long-term-growth-despite-short-term-nand-pressures-analysts-say" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Western Digital Faces &#8216;Challenging Pricing Environment,&#8217; But There&#8217;s Long-Term Potential: Analysts</a>
The chipmaker told CNBC that it had bagged $1.5 billion in subsidies from the U.S.
Taiwan Semiconductor&#8217;s Huang told CNBC that its first fabrication plant in Arizona started producing advanced chips in the fourth quarter of 2024 after&nbsp;production delays.&nbsp;He said that the construction of two plants in Arizona&nbsp;was on track, with the second likely&nbsp;operational in 2028.
Taiwan Semiconductor&#8217;s&nbsp;investment in its three Arizona projects is worth over $65 billion.
However, industry experts have told CNBC that they expect Trump to keep the policy intact&nbsp;due to its bipartisan support in Washington.&nbsp;
Last week, Taiwan Semiconductor chief C.C. Wei <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43053982/taiwan-semiconductor-chief-calls-us-semiconductor-sanctions-manageable-to-skip-trump-inauguration" rel="noreferrer noopener">dismissed concerns over</a> U.S. semiconductor sanctions, calling them &#8220;manageable.&#8221; He also flagged the company&#8217;s focus on advanced packaging and stated that non-AI sectors like automotive and crypto-mining remain unaffected by sanctions.
Taiwan Semiconductor reported&nbsp;fourth-quarter revenue&nbsp;growth of 38.8%, reaching $26.88 billion, topping the analyst estimate of $26.28 billion.
The gross margins expanded by 600 bps to 59% as its 3-nm and 5-nm technologies gained traction.
It expects first-quarter 2025 revenue of $25.0 billion—$25.8 billion, in line with the&nbsp;$24.97 billion analyst consensus and a gross margin of 57%—59%. The company committed $38 billion—$42 billion to fiscal 2025 capex versus actual capex of $29.8 billion a year ago.&nbsp;
Taiwan Semiconductor stock surged over 87% in the last 12 months.
Investors can gain exposure to companies&#8217; stocks engaged in the manufacturing of semiconductors through VanEck Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMH#NASDAQ">SMH</a>) and iShares Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOXX#NASDAQ">SOXX</a>).
Price Action:&nbsp;TSM stock traded higher by 0.93% to $213.47 premarket at the last check on Tuesday.
Also Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/01/43038361/nvidia-continues-strong-demand-for-taiwan-semiconductors-advanced-packaging-despite-technology-shifts" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nvidia Continues Strong Demand for Taiwan Semiconductor&#8217;s Advanced Packaging Despite Technology Shifts</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Taiwan Semiconductor Touts $1.5 Billion In US Subsidies, Confident Trump Will Maintain CHIPS Act Backing

President-elect Donald Trump is preparing to take charge on Monday. His tenure has triggered concerns about forthcoming <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/25/01/43025761/ai-chip-stocks-gain-momentum-on-taiwan-semiconductor-performance-bidens-semiconductor-sanctions-kick-in" rel="noreferrer noopener">semiconductor rules and regulations</a>, including fears of possible tariffs on Mexico and China.
Recently, Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) CEO Jensen Huang criticized the Biden administration&#8217;s latest AI technology regulations against countries like China and Russia.
Nvidia chief&nbsp;Jensen Huang&nbsp;will likely miss the inauguration of Trump&nbsp;on January 20 due to his routine East Asia&nbsp;tour at this time of the year, rendering him unable to attend any prior inauguration ever, Bloomberg <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-01-16/nvidia-ceo-will-miss-trump-inauguration-unlike-many-tech-peers?srnd=phx-technology&amp;sref=TBDibEcD" rel="noreferrer noopener">cites</a> unnamed sources familiar with the matter.
Big Tech giant leaders, including Apple Inc&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>)&nbsp;Tim Cook,&nbsp;Amazon.com Inc&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), and Tesla Inc&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>)&nbsp;Elon Musk, will grace the occasion next week.
Huang also told Bloomberg he expected Trump to bring less regulation.
Also, on Thursday, Nvidia <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/nvidia" rel="noreferrer noopener">launched three new</a> NIM microservices to help enterprises bring additional control and safety measures to their AI agents.
The offerings are part of &nbsp;Nvidia NeMo Guardrails, an open-source collection of software tools and microservices designed to help companies improve <a target="_blank" href="https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/nemo-guardrails-nim-microservices/#:~:text=NVIDIA%20has%20introduced%20three%20new,responses%20align%20with%20ethical%20standards." rel="noreferrer noopener">their AI applications</a>.
NeMo Guardrails helps developers integrate and manage AI guardrails in large language model (LLM) applications.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42980720/microsoft-taps-meta-veteran-to-lead-new-coreai-division-plans-shift-from-openai-dependence" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microsoft Launches CoreAI Division: Ex-Meta Exec To Supercharge Copilot And AI Innovations</a>
Amdocs, Cerence AI, and Lowe&#8217;s leveraged NeMo Guardrails to safeguard AI applications.
By being deployed in customer service across the automotive, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and retail industries, the agents can boost customer satisfaction and trust.
Nvidia stock surged over 138% in the last 12 months. Investors can gain exposure to the stock through Fidelity MSCI Information Technology Index ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FTEC#NYSE">FTEC</a>) and VanEck Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMH#NASDAQ">SMH</a>).
Price Action: NVDA stock is up 2.40% at $136.91 at the last check on Friday.
Also Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43053982/taiwan-semiconductor-chief-calls-us-semiconductor-sanctions-manageable-to-skip-trump-inauguration" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Taiwan Semi Chief To Skip Trump Inauguration, Calls US Semiconductor Sanctions &#8216;Manageable&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Shutterstock

FTEC

Nvidia Unveils AI Safety Tools to Boost Enterprise Trust; CEO Jensen To Miss Trump Inauguration

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/semiconductors" rel="noreferrer noopener">Contract chipmaker</a> Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>) chief C.C. Wei opted to maintain a low profile by skipping President-elect&nbsp;Donald Trump&#8217;s inauguration, including donations to the Trump camp, Bloomberg reports.
The inaugural committee raised over <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/01/42938119/lockheed-martin-donates-1m-to-trumps-inaugural-committee-as-speculation-grows-over-elon-musk-led-doge-crackdown-on-traditional-defense-contracts" rel="noreferrer noopener">$170 million for January events</a>, thanks to donors including&nbsp;Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>),&nbsp;Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>),&nbsp;Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>),&nbsp;Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) Google, and&nbsp;Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>).
Big Tech giant leaders, including Apple&#8217;s Tim Cook, Amazon&#8217;s Jeff Bezos, and Tesla Inc&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) Elon Musk will attend the inauguration on January 20.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/price-target/25/01/43038644/citi-cheap-valuation-investment-banking-and-trading-outlook-paired-with-accelerating-buybacks-sparks-optimism-analyst" rel="noreferrer noopener">Citi Outperforms Analyst Expectations With 12% Revenue Growth, Confirms $20 Billion Buyback Plan</a>
Reuters reports that Wei blamed the crisis of skilled workers, supply chain gaps, and inadequate chip plant construction regulations for delaying the construction of its Arizona project.
Wei added that Taiwan Semiconductor&#8217;s U.S. plant is unlikely to procure the most advanced chip technology before factories in Taiwan due to compliance issues, construction, and other regulations.
Wei told Reuters that building the new Arizona factory took at least twice as long as in Taiwan due to the complex regulations that made it challenging to employ the chipmaker&#8217;s latest technology in the U.S. before Taiwan.
Previously, Taiwan Semiconductor stated most of its chip manufacturing would remain in Taiwan, especially for the most advanced chips.
Trump had called out Taiwan during <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/10/41604100/trump-goes-after-taiwan-semiconductor-on-joe-rogan-podcast" rel="noreferrer noopener">his presidential campaigns</a> for allegedly&nbsp;sabotaging America&#8217;s chip industry. He verbally attacked the U.S. CHIPS Act and pledged to slap tariffs on Taiwanese chips. He had also flagged the lack of a formal defense treaty between the U.S. and Taiwan.
Additionally, before handing over the charge to the Trump government, the Biden administration launched another round of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/01/42897081/nvidia-and-ai-chip-stocks-brace-for-impact-as-biden-administration-considers-new-china-export-ban-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">artificial intelligence technology sanctions</a> on countries, including China and Russia, to restrict their warfare capabilities.
China has been a key semiconductor market for companies like Taiwan Semiconductor. Washington aims to maintain its semiconductor position dominance and share control with its allies, including Taiwan, the Netherlands (home to ASML Holding (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/asml#NASDAQ">ASML</a>)), and South Korea (home to Samsung Electronics (OTC: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ssnlf#OTC">SSNLF</a>)).
Wei told Bloomberg that he found the semiconductor sanctions &#8220;manageable&#8221; and does not expect them to affect chips for non-AI sectors such as cars and crypto-mining.
On Thursday, Taiwan Semiconductor reported <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/01/43022654/taiwan-semiconductor-q4-earnings-3nm-and-5nm-nodes-lead-topline-growth-expands-margins-issues-strong-q1-outlook" rel="noreferrer noopener">fourth-quarter revenue</a> of $26.88 billion (NT$868.46 billion), up 38.8%, topping the consensus estimate of $26.28 billion.
As its 3-nm and 5-nm technologies gained traction, the chipmaker&#8217;s gross margins expanded by 600 bps to 59%.
It expects first-quarter 2025 revenue of $25.0 billion—$25.8 billion versus the&nbsp;$24.97 billion consensus. It projects a gross margin of 57%—59%. Taiwan Semiconductor committed $38 billion—$42 billion to fiscal 2025 capex versus actual capex of $29.8 billion a year ago.&nbsp;
During the earnings call, Wei expressed conviction in producing chips of the same quality in Arizona as in Taiwan with a smooth ramp-up process.
Taiwan Semiconductor stock surged 109% in the last 12 months.
Investors can gain exposure to companies engaged in the manufacturing of semiconductors through VanEck Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMH#NASDAQ">SMH</a>)
and iShares Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOXX#NASDAQ">SOXX</a>).
Price Action:&nbsp;TSM stock traded higher by 0.20% to $215.21 premarket at the last check on Friday.
Also Read:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/01/43026092/bank-of-america-q4-earnings-6-7-billion-profit-1-7-billion-in-investment-banking-fees-forecasts-higher-nii-in-2025" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bank of America Q4 Earnings: $6.7 Billion Profit, $1.7 Billion In Investment Banking Fees</a></li>
</ul>
Photo by Jack Hong via Shutterstock

Taiwan Semi Chief To Skip Trump Inauguration, Calls US Semiconductor Sanctions 'Manageable'

The U.S. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/semiconductors">semiconductor </a>sector is going through nail-biting times as further <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/01/42897081/nvidia-and-ai-chip-stocks-brace-for-impact-as-biden-administration-considers-new-china-export-ban-report">potential sanctions on the export of artificial intelligence chips</a> to China loom.
What Happened: Nvidia (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) was recently left with a bitter taste after its big tech customers <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42970112/nvidia-order-delays-and-ai-sanctions-threaten-global-sales-offer-growth-opportunity-for-us-tech-giants">deferred billions of dollars in orders</a>.
As geopolitics shakes up the industry, investors are monitoring the ramifications for exchange-traded funds, or ETFs, tied to the sector. Here are three such ETFs, among many others, that are caught in the crosshairs:
<ul>
<li>VanEck Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMH#NASDAQ">SMH</a>): This ETF&#8217;s top holdings include Nvidia, Broadcom (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>), Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>) and Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>). Each company is deeply involved in AI chip production and data center infrastructure. This makes the ETF particularly vulnerable to regulatory changes in this space.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>iShares Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOXX#NASDAQ">SOXX</a>): This ETF boasts holdings in Nvidia, Intel (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>), and Broadcom. Potential export restrictions could disrupt these companies' revenue streams, naturally causing ripples in the ETF's performance.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>SPDR S&amp;P Semiconductor ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XSD#NYSE">XSD</a>): This ETF has an equal-weighted structure that diversifies the exposure across semiconductor firms. Its significant allocations in Nvidia, AMD, and Micron Technology (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MU#NASDAQ">MU</a>) make it vulnerable to export restrictions.</li>
</ul>
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/01/43013412/whats-going-on-with-marvell-technology-mrvl-stock">What&#8217;s Going On With Marvell Technology (MRVL) Stock?</a> 
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Nvidia Faces Double Whammy</h3>
The Biden administration is reportedly considering a new set of sanctions over the next few days. According to a Bloomberg report, the new sanctions may include a three-tier framework targeting AI chip exports, aiming to curb China's access to advanced technology. These restrictions could take effect before Donald Trump assumes office on Jan. 20.
Nvidia, a sector heavyweight, faces a double whammy. In addition to the potential export restrictions, Nvidia's hyperscaler customers — Microsoft (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), Amazon&#8217;s (NADAQ: AMZN) AWS, Alphabet (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>), and Meta (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) — recently postponed $10 billion worth of orders for its Blackwell GB200 data center racks due to overheating issues. This disruption adds to the challenges Nvidia faces, as up to 50% of its chips may be destined for markets that could fall under the new export rules, according to D.A. Davidson&#8217;s Gil Luria, as reported by Reuters.
According to Defiance ETFs CEO Sylvia Jablonski, &#8220;Geopolitical tensions, particularly between the U.S. and China, have significantly impacted the semiconductor industry. Each time we've heard a report about a potential US ban on semiconductors from the White House we've seen NVDA and all other semiconductor stocks fall.&#8221;
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Long-Term Outlook For ETFs</h3>
While the short-term outlook for semiconductor ETFs remains uncertain, the long-term prospects offer significant opportunities. AI, quantum computing and other technological advancements are expected to drive substantial demand for advanced semiconductors. Despite geopolitical headwinds, semiconductor-focused ETFs could benefit from the ongoing innovation and market growth.
Summing up the sector's potential, Jablonski said: "Any kind of high tech, innovative trend has its risks and rewards. Investors should understand that innovation takes time, and that price action is often volatile proceeding it. However, if the innovations like AI, Quantum computing come to fruition, the opportunities for investors are endless!"
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/sector-etfs/25/01/43027627/blackrocks-etf-business-excels-in-2024-with-record-390-billion-net-inflows">BlackRock&#8217;s ETF Business Excels In 2024 With Record $390 Billion Net Inflows</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock.

Asia

Global

Nvidia Suffers $10 Billion Setback, AI Chip Sanctions Spell Trouble For 3 ETFs

On Thursday, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>) fourth-quarter results beat forecasts, fueled by demand for advanced processor node technologies for artificial intelligence applications.
The contract chipmaker, which supplies chips for&nbsp;Nvidia Corp&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) graphics processing unit&nbsp;(GPU)&nbsp;and Apple, Inc&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) smartphones, guided first-quarter revenue <a target="_blank" href="https://investor.tsmc.com/english/quarterly-results/2024/q4" rel="noreferrer noopener">above the consensus</a>.
Taiwan Semiconductor reported fourth-quarter revenue of $26.88 billion (NT$868.46 billion), up 38.8% year-over-year, topping the analyst consensus estimate of $26.28 billion.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43013634/opecs-optimism-clashes-with-ieas-conservative-2025-oil-growth-projections" rel="noreferrer noopener">OPEC&#8217;s Optimism Clashes With IEA&#8217;s Conservative 2025 Oil Growth Projections</a>
Net income and earnings per share were NT$374.68 billion and NT$14.45 per share ($2.24) versus <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/earnings" rel="noreferrer noopener">analyst consensus of $2.23</a>.
In dollar terms, revenue growth was 37.0% year over year and 14.4% quarter over quarter. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/10/41373163/nvidia-supplier-tsmc-reports-q3-revenue-earnings-beat-amid-rising-demand-for-ai-chips" rel="noreferrer noopener">The top-line performance</a> aligned with the company&#8217;s guidance of $26.1 billion—$26.9 billion.
Taiwan Semiconductor said its business was supported by demand for its 3-nm and 5-nm technologies. However, it expects smartphone seasonality to impact the first quarter, partially offset by continued growth in AI-related demand.
The company said 3-nm accounted for 26% of the total revenue, 5-nm accounted for 34%, and 7-nm technologies accounted for 14%. 7-nm and more advanced technologies comprised 74% of the total wafer revenue.
Margin Profile:&nbsp;Taiwan Semiconductor&#8217;s AI technology moat helped it expand its fourth-quarter gross margins by 600 bps to 59%, as its 3-nm and 5-nm chips gain traction at the cost of&nbsp;Intel Corp&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) and&nbsp;Samsung Electronics&nbsp;(OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SSNLF#OTC">SSNLF</a>),&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42825523/taiwan-semi-likely-for-upside-backed-by-ai-demand-and-advanced-node-pricing-analyst-says" rel="noreferrer noopener">which struggled to transition</a>&nbsp;into advanced nodes. Taiwan Semiconductor&#8217;s operating margin expanded by 740 bps to 49%.
Outlook: Taiwan Semiconductor is guided for first-quarter 2025 revenue of $25.0 billion-$25.8 billion versus the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/guidance" rel="noreferrer noopener">$24.97 billion consensus estimate</a>. It expects a gross margin of 57%—59% and operating profit margins of 46.5%—48.5%.
The company earmarked fiscal 2025 capex worth $38 billion-$42 billion (versus $29.8 billion a year ago) amid intensifying geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China, with the former eying tougher <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43003008/taiwan-semi-samsung-intel-may-face-stricter-us-rules-on-chip-exports-to-china-over-security-concerns" rel="noreferrer noopener">artificial intelligence technology</a> restrictions on the latter, citing national security concerns.
Taiwan Semiconductor stock surged over 103% in the last 12 months.
Investors can gain exposure to semiconductor manufacturing stocks through the VanEck Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMH#NASDAQ">SMH</a>) and the iShares Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOXX#NASDAQ">SOXX</a>).
Price Action: TSM stock traded higher by 4.86% at $216.85 premarket at the last check on Thursday.
Also Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/01/43008511/broadcoms-latest-san-switch-offers-scalable-energy-efficient-solution-for-growing-storage-demands" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Broadcom&#8217;s Latest SAN Switch Offers Scalable, Energy-Efficient Solution for Growing Storage Demands</a></li>
</ul>
Photo by wakamatsu.h via Shutterstock

Earnings

Large Cap

Guidance

Movers

Taiwan Semiconductor Q4 Earnings: 3nm and 5nm Nodes Lead Topline Growth, Expands Margins, Issues Strong Q1 Outlook

Marvell Technology Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRVL#NASDAQ">MRVL</a>) shares are trading higher by 0.99% to $116.35 during Wednesday&#8217;s session amid the broader market&#8217;s positive reaction to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/01/43003047/stocks-rise-on-core-inflation-slowdown-banks-rally-after-strong-q4-earnings-treasury-yields-plummet">December inflation data</a>.
The report showing slowing underlying price pressures is a positive signal for the broader economy, fueling investor optimism that the Federal Reserve may soon implement further rate cuts. 
What Else: For Marvell, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/01/43001512/inflation-rises-to-29-in-december-core-slows-yet-rising-energy-costs-put-feds-target-at-risk">lower interest rates</a> reduce the cost of capital and could help spur investment in data centers, cloud computing, and 5G technologies—key areas in which Marvell plays a crucial role. 
As a semiconductor supplier that powers these industries, Marvell stands to gain from increased demand as businesses expand their infrastructure in response to favorable economic conditions.
Additionally, with semiconductor stocks often benefiting from a lower cost of financing, Marvell could see further upside as the probability of rate cuts in 2025 rises.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/market-summary/25/01/42996490/nordea-parisi-gray-graypoint-load-up-on-marvell-technology-shares-iaim-dilutes-98-in-q4-heres-what-mrvls-technical-analysis-says">Nordea, Parisi Gray, Graypoint Load Up On Marvell Technology Shares, IAIM Dilutes 98% In Q4: Here&#8217;s What MRVL&#8217;s Technical Analysis Says</a>
Investors can gain exposure to&nbsp;MRVL by&nbsp;investing&nbsp;in the VanEck Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMH#NASDAQ">SMH</a>).
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How To Buy MRVL Stock</h2>
By now you're likely curious about how to participate in the market for Marvell Technology &#8211; be it to purchase shares, or even attempt to bet against the company.
Buying shares is typically done through a brokerage account. You can find a list of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-stock-trading-platforms">possible trading platforms here.</a> Many will allow you to buy ‘fractional shares,' which allows you to own portions of stock without buying an entire share. For example, some stock, like Berkshire Hathaway, or Amazon.com, can cost thousands of dollars to own just one share. However, if you only want to invest a fraction of that, brokerages will allow you to do so. 
In the the case of Marvell Technology, which is trading at $116.72 as of publishing time, $100 would buy you 0.86 shares of stock.
If you're looking to bet against a company, the process is more complex. You'll need access to an options trading platform, or a broker who will allow you to ‘go short' a share of stock by lending you the shares to sell. The process of shorting a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock">stock can be found at this resource.</a> Otherwise, if your broker allows you to trade options, you can either buy a put option, or sell a call option at a strike price above where shares are currently trading &#8211; either way it allows you to profit off of the share price decline.
According to data from&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>, MRVL has a 52-week high of $126.12 and a 52-week low of $53.19.

MRVL

What's Going On With Marvell Technology (MRVL) Stock?

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>), Samsung Electronics (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SSNLF#OTC">SSNLF</a>), and&nbsp;Intel Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) could face more <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/01/42897081/nvidia-and-ai-chip-stocks-brace-for-impact-as-biden-administration-considers-new-china-export-ban-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">cumbersome export regulations</a> as the U.S. aims to restrict China&#8217;s access to advanced chips, citing national security threats.
The Biden administration&#8217;s latest measures seek to encourage the chipmakers&nbsp;to analyze and perform more due diligence on customers carefully, Bloomberg <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-01-15/us-to-push-tsmc-and-samsung-to-tighten-flow-of-chips-to-china?srnd=phx-technology&amp;sref=TBDibEcD" rel="noreferrer noopener">cites</a> unnamed sources familiar with the matter.
Prior reports alleged Taiwan Semiconductor-made chips finding a way&nbsp;to the blacklisted Chinese company&nbsp;Huawei Technologies Co.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42986042/apple-sees-market-share-decline-in-2024-as-chinese-smartphone-brands-surge-globally-idc" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple Sees Market Share Decline in 2024 as Chinese Smartphone Brands Surge Globally: IDC</a>
The latest sanctions, likely to be announced on Wednesday, could limit Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>)&nbsp;and rivals&#8217; sales of AI chips to data centers in the U.S.&#8217;s non-ally countries like China and Russia.
The U.S. could restrict the export of advanced chips, implying those 14 or 16 nanometers and below, and mandate a government license to sell them in China and other restricted nations.
The suggested regulations aim to help chip manufacturers identify which designs, from which customers, are subject to U.S. semiconductor sanctions.
The U.S. aims to target more sophisticated processors, namely, AI accelerators designed by Chinese companies.
The U.S., Europe, and Japan ramped up their focus on their domestic semiconductor positions to reduce dependence on China by tapping chipmakers like Taiwan Semiconductor following <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/01/42981814/apple-and-nvidia-supplier-taiwan-semiconductor-leads-semiconductor-market-with-64-share" rel="noreferrer noopener">the 2020 pandemic</a> that disrupted the global supply chains.
Additionally, the U.S. started restricting China&#8217;s access to advanced semiconductor technology from Nvidia and Taiwan Semiconductor, which Washington alleged China utilized to boost its military warfare position.
The U.S. also encouraged its allies, including Taiwan and the Netherlands (home to chip equipment maker&nbsp;ASML Holding (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/asml#NASDAQ">ASML</a>), to restrict semiconductor trade with China.
Taiwan Semiconductor commanded a 64% <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/01/42981814/apple-and-nvidia-supplier-taiwan-semiconductor-leads-semiconductor-market-with-64-share" rel="noreferrer noopener">global foundry business share</a> in the third quarter of 2024. Samsung scored second with a 12% share backed by its 4nm and 5nm processes.
Investors can gain exposure to stocks of companies that manufacture semiconductors through the VanEck Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMH#NASDAQ">SMH</a>) and the iShares Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOXX#NASDAQ">SOXX</a>).
Price Action: TSM stock closed higher by 0.26% at $201.97 premarket at the last check on Wednesday.
Also Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42986510/boeing-reports-348-planes-delivered-in-2024-beating-estimates-despite-production-challenges" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boeing Reports 348 Planes Delivered In 2024, Beats Estimates Despite Production Challenges</a></li>
</ul>
Photo by William Potter on Shutterstock

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