Renewed AI optimism gives Asian shares a liftListen to this articleRECAP: Asian stocks advanced yesterday as the artificial intelligence boom regained momentum after Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co reported strong earnings. Risk appetite also improved after US President Donald Trump pulled back from threatened military action against Iran over a violent crackdown on protests. Foreign investors were net buyers of 4.22 billion baht, followed by retail investors at 3.09 billion. The US budget deficit shrank to $1.67 trillion in 2025, the smallest in three years, thanks mainly to a record surge in customs revenue from tariffs. TSMC is earmarking $56 billion in capital spending for 2026, signalling its confidence in the global AI boom.

Source: Bangkok Post January 17, 2026 06:16 UTC