Noon Market Summary: Nasdaq Up 0.9% as TSMC Surges 6.47%; Oil Dips 4.3% Amid Iran Tensions

The U.S. market delivered a mixed but resilient performance at noon, with tech-driven optimism offsetting energy sector declines. The Nasdaq Composite (IXIC) led major indexes higher at +0.901%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) rose 0.778% to $49,532.07 and the S&P 500 (SPX) gained 0.624% to $6,969.81. Commodities faced headwinds, with WTI crude oil futures plunging 4.315% to $59.21, and gold futures falling 0.345% to $4,619.7. Sector performance was split: Energy (-0.55%) and Healthcare (-1.29%) lagged, while Information Technology (+1.47%) and Utilities (+1.00%) surged. The day’s trading reflected cautious optimism about AI-driven growth and geopolitical uncertainty.

Hot Stocks

Tech Giants:

• TSMC (TSM): +6.47%
• Advanced Micro Devices (AMD): +5.67%
• ASML Holding (ASML): +5.51%
• Lam Research (LRCX): +5.23%
• Applied Materials (AMAT): +7.32%

Semiconductor & Materials:

• KLA (KLAC): +8.54%
• Entegris (ENTG): +10.00%
• Coherent (COHR): +11.48%
• BWX Technologies (BWXT): +5.28%

Energy & Industrials:

• Talen Energy (TLN): +10.40%
• Western Digital (WDC): +5.29%

Macro & Corporate Narratives

1. Fed Independence Under Fire: Barr Condemns DOJ Probe

Federal Reserve Governor Michael Barr labeled the Justice Department’s criminal inquiry into the Fed as an "assault on the independence of the central bank." His comments reinforced market skepticism about political interference in monetary policy, keeping Treasury yields elevated as investors priced in potential instability.

2. Crypto Bill Delay Sparks Industry Fears

The Senate’s postponed markup of the Clarity Act, coupled with Coinbase’s withdrawal of support, intensified concerns about U.S. regulatory lag in the crypto space. The bill’s restrictions on stablecoin yields and DeFi activities could stifle innovation, with Bitcoin’s 2.3% rally to $97,000 seen as a counter to regulatory uncertainty.

3. TSMC’s Record Earnings Fuel Tech Optimism

The chipmaker’s 35% Q4 profit surge and $56B 2026 capex plan underscored AI’s transformative role. TSMC’s gains spilled into the broader semiconductor sector, with ASML and AMD rising on sustained demand for advanced manufacturing.

4. Iran Tensions Ease, Oil Prices Tank

President Trump’s assertion that Iran has halted executions eased fears of military action, sending WTI crude down 4.3%. However, analysts warned that regional instability remains a wildcard for energy markets.

5. Bitcoin ETFs Attract $830M Inflows

Spot bitcoin ETFs added $843.6M in a single day, with BlackRock’s IBIT leading the charge. The inflows signaled institutional confidence in crypto despite regulatory headwinds, with Bitcoin trading near $96,000 as ETF buying supported near-term prices.