Market Recap: Dow Rises 0.6% as Trump's $500B Taiwan Semiconductor Deal Drives Gains; Springview Surges 673% on News

The U.S. market closed mixed on January 15, 2026, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising 0.6% to 49,442.44, the S&P 500 gaining 0.26% to 6,944.47, and the Nasdaq Composite up 0.25% to 23,530.02. Commodities saw sharp declines, with WTI crude oil futures plunging 4.4% to $59.16, while gold and copper fell 0.34% and 1.04%, respectively. Sectors were split: Industrials (+1.00%) and Utilities (+1.05%) led gains, while Energy (-0.80%) and Healthcare (-0.91%) lagged. The mixed performance reflected optimism around AI-driven tech demand and geopolitical trade deals, offset by energy sector weakness and inflation concerns.

Hot Stocks

Tech Giants:

• ASML Holding (ASML): +5.37%
• Nvidia (NVDA): +2.13%
• Applied Materials (AMAT): +5.69%
• KLAC: +7.70%

Financials:

• BlackRock (BLK): +5.93%
• Morgan Stanley (MS): +5.78%
• FTAI Aviation (FTAI): +5.88%

Energy & Industrials:

• Talen Energy (TLN): +11.80%
• Vistra (VST): +6.63%
• NRG Energy (NRG): +5.79%

Mega Gainers:

• Springview (SPHL): +673.78%
• Callan Jmb (CJMB): +275.00%
• Pheton Holdings (PTHL): +105.16%

Losers:

• Regencell Bioscience (RGC): -14.53%
• Bit Origin (BTOG): -41.24%

Macro & Corporate Narratives

1. Trump-Taiwan $500B Semiconductor Deal

The Trump administration’s $500 billion trade deal with Taiwan, announced by Commerce Secretary Lutnick, aims to boost U.S. semiconductor manufacturing. Taiwanese companies will invest $250 billion, with the U.S. reciprocating in defense and AI sectors. This deal underpins optimism in the chip sector, with TSMC reporting $33.73 billion in Q4 revenue and planning $56 billion in 2026 capex. ASML and Applied materials benefited from renewed demand for manufacturing equipment.

2. Mortgage Rates Hit 3-Year Low

The U.S. 30-year fixed mortgage rates fell to 6.06%, a three-year low, driven by Trump’s $200 billion mortgage bond-buying plan. This eases affordability concerns, though home prices remain elevated. The move supports housing-related sectors like construction and real estate, which saw Vistra and NRG Energy rise over 5%.

3. Fed’s Balance Sheet Trilemma

The Federal Reserve officials highlighted the "balance sheet trilemma"—managing liquidity, rate stability, and portfolio size. The Fed ended its balance sheet reduction after market stress signals intensified, leaving uncertainty over future interventions. This fueled caution in bond markets and kept investors focused on short-term rate expectations.

4. Crypto Bill Delay and Institutional Interest

Coinbase’s withdrawal of support for the Senate’s crypto bill delayed regulatory clarity, sparking debate over stablecoin restrictions. Meanwhile, Goldman Sachs and Blackstone intensified research on crypto-adjacent innovations like prediction markets and tokenization. BitMine’s $200 million investment in MrBeast’s Beast Industries signaled growing institutional interest in blockchain applications.

5. TSMC’s AI-Driven Growth

TSMC’s Q4 earnings surged 35% year-over-year, driven by AI chip demand. The company’s $56 billion 2026 capex plan reinforced confidence in the AI infrastructure boom, with analysts projecting 30% revenue growth. This underpinned gains in chip equipment firms like KLA and ASML.