WSJ Tech News Briefing:

TNB Tech Minute – Microsoft Makes New Pledges Benefiting Communities Hosting Data Centers
Date: January 13, 2026
Host: Julie Chang

Episode Overview

This TNB Tech Minute delivers a concise roundup of major tech developments, focusing primarily on Microsoft's new community-oriented pledges for areas hosting its AI data centers. The episode also covers significant banking-sector news involving JPMorgan and updates on semiconductor manufacturing investment in the US.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Microsoft’s New Pledges to Data Center Communities

• Main Announcement:
  Microsoft has announced new commitments designed to address concerns in communities hosting large-scale data centers for AI model training.

• Details of the Pledges:

  • Committing to pay higher electricity rates so that the costs of operating data centers do not raise local consumer electricity prices.
  • Commitment to replenish more water than what is withdrawn from local resources.
  • Agreeing to pay the full property tax rate.

• Political & Social Context:

  • The plan aligns with a recent social media post by President Trump (01:05).
  • These actions are part of the tech sector’s broader efforts to gain public support for infrastructure projects that are often unpopular due to the perceived risk of rising utility prices and environmental impact (01:18).

  Notable Quote:
  “Microsoft has committed to paying high enough electricity rates to cover the electricity costs of its data center so they aren’t passed on to consumers.”
  — Julie Chang, (00:32)

2. JPMorgan Chase’s Financial Update

• Earnings Miss:
  JPMorgan Chase reported a 7% decline in Q4 2025 profits, falling to $13 billion (01:34).

• Context:

  • Revenue increased by 7% to $45 billion, but both profit and revenue missed analyst estimates (01:44).
  • The drop was triggered by JPMorgan’s acquisition of the Apple credit card program from Goldman Sachs, resulting in a $2.2 billion charge for anticipated loan losses on $20 billion in balances.

  Notable Quote:
  “The move dragged down the quarter’s results as it led JPMorgan to take an extra $2.2 billion charge for potential future loan losses...”
  — Julie Chang, (01:36)

3. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) Expansion in Arizona

• Expansion Plans:
  TSMC is planning a significant expansion in Arizona, contingent upon a forthcoming trade agreement between the US and Taiwan (01:49).

• Trade Agreement Details:

  • US to lower tariffs on Taiwanese goods from 20%.
  • Taiwan to pledge over $300 billion in foreign direct investment and associated US spending.

• Local Economic Impact:

  • Under the deal, TSMC would build several additional fabs in Arizona, increasing its total to nearly a dozen manufacturing plants.

  Notable Quote:
  “TSMC would build several new fabs in Arizona, which would bring its total footprint there to roughly a dozen plants.”
  — Julie Chang, (02:01)

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• On Microsoft’s direct community impact:
  “Microsoft has also committed to replenishing more water than it withdraws locally and paying the full property tax rate.”
  — Julie Chang, (00:40)

• Commentary on tech sector’s new strategy:
  “The pledges are the latest attempt by the tech sector to win public support for unpopular infrastructure that many voters fear will increase electricity prices.”
  — Julie Chang, (01:18)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 00:16 – Episode start; Microsoft’s pledges for data center communities
• 01:34 – JPMorgan Chase Q4 results and the Apple credit card acquisition context
• 01:49 – TSMC’s Arizona expansion and US-Taiwan trade agreement implications
• 02:10 – Episode wrap-up (start of ad, content ends)

Summary:
This TNB Tech Minute outlines how major tech companies are adapting their strategies amid rising public scrutiny—Microsoft leading with community-centered promises for its data centers, major shifts in finance with JPMorgan’s acquisition-driven earnings miss, and TSMC’s ambitious US expansion tied to high-stakes trade negotiation. The episode delivers a brisk but insightful look at the interplay between technology, policy, and community impact.