On January 15, 2026, the S&P 500 Index rose by 0.49%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased by 0.75%, and the Nasdaq 100 climbed by 1.07%. This upward movement was significantly influenced by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC), which anticipated stronger-than-expected Q1 sales and raised its 2026 capital expenditure forecast to $52-$56 billion from $40.9 billion.
U.S. economic indicators showed strength, with weekly jobless claims falling by 9,000 to a six-week low of 198,000, surpassing expectations of 215,000. Additionally, the January Empire manufacturing survey improved by 11.4 to 7.7 and the Philadelphia Fed business outlook surged by 21.4 to 12.6, both exceeding forecasts. Geopolitical developments also eased investor fears, contributing to a drop in WTI crude oil prices by over 4%.
As earnings season begins, S&P 500 earnings growth is projected to rise by 8.4% for Q4 2025. Notably, chip makers led gains, with KLA Corp up over 8% and Applied Materials increasing more than 7%. Conversely, energy stocks faced pressure, particularly as crude oil prices declined.
