AI earnings reset risk appetite, banks fade on valuation, oil slides on geopolitics

U.S. equity futures point higher after two straight losses, with tech leading the rebound. Sentiment is driven by strong AI-linked earnings and easing geopolitical pressure as crude oil falls more than 4%. Investors are watching earnings follow-through and whether tech leadership can reassert itself.

AI confidence got a boost after Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company posted another quarter of record results and guided to higher-than-expected capital spending. The outlook reinforces that hyperscaler demand remains intact, lifting chip equipment and semiconductor names and stabilizing a trade that has driven index gains.

Financials delivered solid numbers but uneven stock reactions. Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley beat expectations on trading and investment banking strength, yet shares slipped as both trade near record highs. The takeaway is valuation sensitivity rather than fundamental weakness.

In asset management, BlackRock hit a new milestone with assets under management topping $14 trillion, underscoring steady inflows despite market volatility.

Takeaways:

• Tech is regaining leadership on AI earnings momentum.

• TSMC capex guidance supports the durability of the AI cycle.

• Bank earnings are strong, but valuations cap near-term upside.

• Oil’s pullback is easing a key macro overhang.

• Dispersion favors selective positioning over broad bets.

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