WSJ Tech News Briefing – Tech Minute: Chip Stocks Rally After TSMC Posts Record Quarter

Date: January 15, 2026
Host: Julie Chang

Episode Overview

This brief episode of the WSJ Tech News Briefing delivers a concise update on the day’s biggest tech market movers and corporate headlines. Key topics include a surge in semiconductor stocks following a record quarter from TSMC, fallout from a major Verizon outage, and exclusive reporting on Ford considering a battery partnership with Chinese auto giant BYD.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Semiconductor Stocks Surge on TSMC's Record Quarter

[00:16–00:55]

• Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), the world’s largest contract chip maker, reported a record-breaking quarter.
• TSMC announced plans to increase its capital expenditure in 2026 to as much as $56 billion.
  • This move is seen as a sign of robust ongoing demand from high-profile clients like Apple, Google, and Nvidia.
• The announcement fueled a rally across semiconductor-related stocks:
  • AMC (American Micro Devices?): Shares rose over 4%.
  • AMD: Up nearly 2%.
  • Applied Materials: Shares jumped more than 5%.
  • ASML: Manufacturer of chip-making equipment, shares also gained more than 5%.

“The world's largest contract chip maker said it plans to increase capital expenditure this year to up to $56 billion, a sign that demand remains strong from clients such as Apple, Google and Nvidia.”
— Julie Chang [00:27]

2. Verizon Service Outage and Response

[00:56–01:30]

• Verizon Communications experienced a widespread, hours-long service interruption the previous day.
• The disruption, affecting both wireless voice and data services, was linked to a software update issue.
• Verizon is offering affected customers a $20 account credit as compensation.
• According to DownDetector, more than 2 million outage reports were submitted between 11:00am and 11:00pm Eastern.

“Wednesday's outage affected wireless voice and data services for many customers, according to outage tracking site DownDetector. More than 2 million reports were submitted…”
— Julie Chang [01:13]

3. Ford and BYD Battery Partnership Talks

[01:31–01:56]

• The WSJ exclusively reports that Ford Motor Co. is in discussions to purchase batteries from Chinese manufacturer BYD for use in select hybrid vehicle models.
• Talks remain ongoing and a deal is not yet certain. If successful, the partnership could accelerate Ford’s shift toward more hybrids with affordable, high-quality batteries.
• Responses to the report:
  • Ford spokesperson: Deflected, stating the company “talks to lots of others about many things.”
  • BYD spokesperson: Declined to comment.
  • Peter Navarro (former Trump trade advisor): Criticized the potential partnership on the social platform X.

“If it does, it would aid Ford's shift from EVs to hybrids with affordable, high quality batteries from BYD.”
— Julie Chang [01:44]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On TSMC’s Impact:
  “Semiconductor stocks rallied after Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing posted a record quarter.”
  — Julie Chang [00:19]

• On Market Sentiment:
  “Shares in AMD rose nearly 2%, shares of Applied Materials jumped over 5%, and shares in ASML…also closed up over 5%.”
  — Julie Chang [00:39]

• On Ford and BYD’s Talks:
  “A Ford spokesman said the company talks to lots of others about many things. A BYD spokesman declined to comment after the Journal story about a potential deal was published.”
  — Julie Chang [01:49]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:16] – Julie Chang kicks off the episode and covers semiconductor market news.
• [00:56] – Verizon outage details and customer response.
• [01:31] – Exclusive: Ford and BYD battery deal discussions.
• [01:56] – End of tech news updates, transition to outro.

Tone & Style

The episode is presented in the Wall Street Journal’s signature crisp, concise tone, focusing on factual updates, market implications, and exclusive scoops. Julie Chang deftly highlights the market’s pulse and industry shifts without editorializing, relying on straightforward reporting and direct quotes from relevant sources.

This episode serves as a quick, informative roundup of major tech developments, especially for investors and professionals tracking semiconductor markets, telecom reliability, and the evolving auto/battery supply chain landscape.