Asia-Pacific markets expected to track Wall Street rally after U.S.-Taiwan chip deal

Asia-Pacific markets were set to open higher following a Wall Street rally led by chip and bank stocks; the article mentions a U.S.-Taiwan trade deal that includes at least $250 billion of Taiwanese semiconductor investment in U.S. production capacity.

Asia-Pacific markets were set to open higher on Friday after Wall Street rose, supported by gains in chip and bank stocks. The article mentions Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. delivered another record quarter and said it expects 2026 capital spending of $52 billion to $56 billion. Investors in the region were watching chip-related names after the U.S. reached a trade deal with Taiwan that includes at least $250 billion of Taiwanese semiconductor investment in U.S. production capacity in exchange for lower reciprocal tariffs. Early moves included Australia's S&P/ASX 200 rising 0.11%, while Japan's Nikkei futures were mixed. Key facts: - U.S. chip and bank stocks helped drive a Wall Street rally that markets were expected to follow into Asia-Pacific trading. - The article mentions Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. reported a record quarter and projected $52–$56 billion of capital spending for 2026. - The U.S.-Taiwan trade deal reported by the article ties lower reciprocal tariffs to at least $250 billion of Taiwanese semiconductor investment in U.S. capacity. - Australia's S&P/ASX 200 opened up 0.11%, and Nikkei futures showed mixed readings (Chicago 54,140; Osaka 54,020; prior close 54,110.5). Summary: Regional markets were positioned to benefit from the Wall Street uplift, with particular attention on semiconductor companies and capital-spending plans. The reported trade deal between the U.S. and Taiwan is a significant policy development linked to planned semiconductor investment in the United States. Undetermined at this time: the precise timing and implementation details of the investment commitments and how they will unfold in markets.