Chip strength and capital moves shape markets

Asian markets rose on April 16, tracking record levels on Wall Street. Gains were supported by advances in technology stocks, optimism around potential US-Iran peace developments, and stronger-than-expected economic data from China, including a beat on GDP.

At the same time, concerns about parts of China’s domestic economy remained. China’s retail sales growth slowed to 1.7%, while unemployment climbed to a 13‑month high, even as industrial production exceeded expectations.

In the UK, monthly GDP expanded by 0.5%, with imports rising by more than exports, adding another positive data point to the global macro backdrop on April 16.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM) reported that it beat both top-line and bottom-line estimates in its first-quarter results. The company highlighted the growing importance of its most advanced manufacturing processes in its revenue mix.

In charts released alongside the update, TSMC said 3nm chips accounted for 25% of wafer revenue in the first quarter. Advanced nodes of 7nm and below represented 74% of wafer revenue, underscoring strong demand for cutting-edge semiconductor technology.

The strong performance from TSMC aligned with broader gains in technology shares across Asian markets, reinforcing the sector’s role in driving regional equity strength on April 16.

Beyond TSMC, semiconductor and automation activity featured prominently. A report said Musk’s Terafab is working with Applied Materials (AMAT), Tokyo Electron, and Lam Research (LRCX) as part of a chip initiative, pointing to ongoing demand for advanced semiconductor equipment.

In industrials, Woodward agreed to sell its pilot controls product line to Ontic Engineering and Manufacturing. The transaction reflects portfolio reshaping within the aerospace and industrial technology space.

Separately, Skild AI agreed to acquire Zebra Technologies’ robotics automation business, extending consolidation and repositioning in automation and AI-related hardware and software.

Southern First Bancshares priced a public offering of 1.05 million shares at $54 per share, adding fresh capital to its balance sheet. The move came amid an active primary market for new equity issuance.

Aerospace parts maker Arxis priced its initial public offering. In the energy sector, Enbridge Energy obtained US permits to operate border pipelines in North Dakota and Michigan, clearing a regulatory hurdle for those cross-border assets.

Amazon‑backed X‑Energy filed for an IPO listing, extending the pipeline of offerings in capital-intensive, next‑generation energy technology.

Traws outlined a $60 million financing plan while aiming to initiate a flu challenge study this summer and maintain cash runway into the first quarter of 2027, tying capital-raising directly to clinical development milestones.

In financial services, a dividend preview for Interactive Brokers indicated expectations for another dividend increase, highlighting a potential change in shareholder payouts ahead of formal announcements.

Security products maker Allegion declared a dividend of $0.55 per share, adding to the day’s stream of capital return news. Separately, Creative Media & Community Trust announced a 1‑for‑10 reverse stock split, adjusting its share count and trading price structure.

In Europe, TomTom reported a surge in first‑quarter profit driven by restructuring gains, even as revenue declined. The company’s results illustrated how cost and portfolio actions can counterbalance top‑line pressure.

In China’s electric-vehicle supply chain, CATL shares gained after the company announced a $4.4 billion minerals plan and reported an earnings beat, underlining continued investment and profitability in battery materials.