Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) started 2026 with record-high January sales, reaching NT$401.26 billion, or US$12.71 billion. This marks a significant 36.8 percent increase from the previous year, driven by robust global demand for artificial intelligence applications, particularly for chips made with TSMC's advanced 3-nanometer process. TSMC is a crucial chip supplier for major tech players like Nvidia Corp., Apple Inc., and Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD), and its stock has climbed over 40 percent this year, outperforming the S&P 500. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang anticipates TSMC will more than double its production capacity in the next decade.
In the AI software and services sector, OpenAI is reportedly seeking a substantial new investment round, potentially valuing the company between $750 billion and $850 billion. Analysts at DA Davidson suggest this renewed excitement could positively impact related tech stocks, including Oracle, CoreWeave, Nvidia, and Microsoft. OpenAI plans to focus on core products like ChatGPT and use advertising to increase revenue and reduce cash burn. Meanwhile, Polymarket and Kaito AI launched a novel "Attention Market" trading tool on February 10, 2026, enabling users to trade contracts based on public opinion derived from social media data across platforms like X, TikTok, and YouTube.
Despite the overall AI boom, some software companies face investor apprehension. Asana Inc. saw its stock fall sharply after a cautious outlook and revenue guidance that missed Wall Street expectations, with investors concerned about AI's potential disruption to its business model. Similarly, Intuit's stock dropped almost 50 percent due to AI disruption fears, though an analyst upgraded it to 'Buy,' citing strong products like QuickBooks and TurboTax and the company's view of AI as an enhancement. JPMorgan and Morgan Stanley strategists believe these fears have led to an overreaction in software stock prices, suggesting a buying opportunity in high-quality, AI-resilient companies, as major players like Alphabet (Google) and Amazon continue to report strong AI-related demand.
Experts generally view recent declines in AI and technology stocks as a unique buying opportunity, emphasizing that AI is still in its early stages with significant future growth potential in areas such as robotics and drug discovery. Companies like TSMC, AMD, Alphabet, and Amazon are heavily investing in AI infrastructure to meet this escalating demand. Separately, new options contracts for SoundHound AI Inc. (SOUN) became available on February 10, 2026, with a March 27th expiration, offering investors various strategies, such as selling a put contract at the $8.00 strike price or buying stock and selling a call.
Key Takeaways
- TSMC reported record January 2026 sales of NT$401.26 billion (US$12.71 billion), a 36.8% year-over-year increase, driven by strong AI chip demand.
- TSMC, a key supplier for Nvidia, Apple, and AMD, has seen its stock climb over 40% this year and plans billions in US fabrication plant investments.
- OpenAI is reportedly seeking a new funding round, potentially valuing the company between $750 billion and $850 billion, which could boost Oracle, CoreWeave, Nvidia, and Microsoft stocks.
- Asana's stock dropped due to a cautious outlook and investor fears regarding AI disruption to its project management software business.
- Intuit's stock fell almost 50% on AI disruption fears, but an analyst upgraded it to 'Buy' with a $511 price target, citing strong products like QuickBooks and TurboTax and AI as an enhancement.
- JPMorgan and Morgan Stanley strategists believe AI fears have caused an overreaction in software stock prices, presenting a buying opportunity in high-quality, AI-resilient companies.
- Polymarket and Kaito AI launched an "Attention Market" trading tool on February 10, 2026, allowing users to trade contracts based on social media sentiment from platforms like X and TikTok.
- Major tech companies, including TSMC, AMD, Alphabet (Google), and Amazon, are reporting strong AI-related demand and are heavily investing in AI infrastructure.
- Experts view current declines in AI and technology stocks as a unique buying opportunity, as AI is still in its early stages with significant future growth potential.
- New options contracts for SoundHound AI Inc. (SOUN) with a March 27th expiration became available on February 10, 2026, offering new trading strategies.
TSMC January sales reach record high due to AI demand
TSMC reported record high sales in January 2026, reaching NT$401.26 billion or US$12.71 billion. This marks a 36.8 percent increase from the previous year. Strong global demand for artificial intelligence applications, especially for chips made with TSMC's advanced 3-nanometer process, drove this growth. Analysts expect TSMC's first-quarter sales to hit a new high, defying the usual slow season. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang also predicts TSMC will more than double its production capacity in the next ten years.
TSMC January revenue surges 37 percent on strong AI demand
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. TSMC saw its January 2026 sales jump 37 percent from a year ago, reaching NT$236 billion or $7.5 billion. This marks the fastest year-on-year growth since May 2022. Strong demand for chips used in artificial intelligence applications continues to drive this growth. TSMC is a major chip supplier for companies like Nvidia Corp., Apple Inc., Advanced Micro Devices Inc., and Qualcomm Inc. The company's stock has risen about 15 percent this year, showing investor confidence in the AI sector.
TSMC stock soars with AI chip demand and US investment plans
TSMC stock has climbed over 40 percent this year, outperforming the S&P 500. The company's strong performance comes from its leading role in semiconductor manufacturing and its vital part in producing AI chips for companies like Apple, Nvidia, and AMD. TSMC plans to invest billions in new fabrication plants in the U.S., which is seen as a positive step. Recent strong sales figures and potential U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods could further boost investor confidence. However, investors should consider risks like geopolitical tensions and market competition.
Asana stock drops on cautious outlook and AI disruption fears
Asana Inc. stock fell sharply on Monday after the company released its latest earnings report. The project management software maker gave a cautious outlook, and its revenue guidance for the current quarter did not meet Wall Street expectations. Investors are worried about how artificial intelligence might disrupt Asana's business model. While Asana sees chances to use AI to improve its products, management expects a "choppy" sales environment soon. Analysts are watching Asana closely to see how software companies adapt to the AI revolution.
OpenAI funding round could boost four AI related stocks
DA Davidson analysts believe a new funding round for OpenAI could boost four related tech stocks. OpenAI is reportedly seeking another large investment, potentially valuing the company between $750 billion and $850 billion. This renewed excitement could benefit Oracle, CoreWeave, Nvidia, and Microsoft. DA Davidson upgraded Oracle to Buy, expecting the funding to improve sentiment for these companies. OpenAI has recently focused on its main products like ChatGPT and plans to use ads to increase income and reduce cash burn.
Polymarket and Kaito AI launch attention market trading
Polymarket and Kaito AI have partnered to launch a new "Attention Market" trading tool on February 10, 2026. This tool will allow users to trade contracts by predicting public opinion based on social media data from X, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. It tracks two main metrics: mindshare, which is how often something is mentioned, and sentiment, which measures the positive or negative tone of discussions. Kaito AI's technology converts subjective social sentiment into measurable, tradable assets. This new market differs from traditional prediction markets by focusing on quantifying market sentiment and engagement.
Experts say AI fears create buying opportunity in software stocks
JPMorgan and Morgan Stanley strategists believe that fears about AI disrupting the software industry have caused an overreaction in stock prices. JPMorgan suggests investors should buy high-quality, AI-resilient software companies, as they think the worst-case scenarios are unlikely. Morgan Stanley also sees good chances in this sector, pointing to strong revenue forecasts and improved earnings. Both firms agree that the current drop in software stock values is due to market sentiment rather than actual business problems.
Intuit stock becomes attractive after AI fear driven selloff
Intuit stock has dropped almost 50 percent due to fears about AI disruption, but an analyst believes these concerns are too high. Intuit's main products, QuickBooks and TurboTax, remain strong with loyal customers. The company sees AI as a way to improve its services, not a threat to its business. Intuit shows strong financial health with growing profits, efficient operations, and consistent earnings per share growth. Because of this, the analyst upgraded Intuit's rating from 'Sell' to 'Buy' with a near-term price target of $511, expecting good annual returns.
SoundHound AI options trading opens for March 27th
New options contracts for SoundHound AI Inc. SOUN became available on February 10, 2026, with a March 27th expiration date. Investors can consider selling a put contract at the $8.00 strike price for 62 cents, which means they agree to buy the stock at $8.00, lowering their cost to $7.38. There is a 68 percent chance this put contract could expire worthless. Alternatively, investors could buy SOUN stock at $8.83 and sell a call contract at the $9.00 strike price for 88 cents, aiming for an 11.89 percent return if the stock is called away. There is a 44 percent chance this call contract could expire worthless.
AI stock declines offer a unique buying opportunity
Recent declines in AI and technology stocks have made some investors question if they should avoid them. Concerns include high valuations and the possibility that AI could negatively impact some software businesses. However, many companies, including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, Advanced Micro Devices, Alphabet, and Amazon, report strong demand and revenue growth related to AI. These companies are investing heavily in AI infrastructure to meet this demand. Experts believe AI is still in its early stages, suggesting significant future growth in areas like robotics and drug discovery. Therefore, current stock declines might present a rare chance to invest in leading AI companies.
Sources
- TSMC's sales hit record high in January on strong demand for AI
- TSMC Revenue Jumps 37% in January While AI Spending Marches On
- TSMC Stock Is on a Roll. Sales and Trump Tariff News Could Keep It Going.
- Monday’s stock slides as earnings signal more pain for the ‘poster child’ of AI-disruption fears
- 4 AI stocks that could rise on a new wave of OpenAI hype: DA Davidson
- Polymarket to Offer Attention Market Trading in Partnership with Kaito AI
- AI disruption fears create buying chance in US software stocks, strategists say
- Intuit: Finally Attractive After AI-Driven 50% Selloff (Rating Upgrade)
- First Week of March 27th Options Trading For SoundHound AI (SOUN)
- Time to Avoid AI Stocks? Or Are They a Once-in-a-Decade Buying Opportunity?
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