Assistive TechnologyBusiness

Tech Stocks Lead Market Gains as TSMC, Nvidia Drive AI Optimism

Technology stocks led Wall Street higher as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. reported better-than-expected quarterly profits. The semiconductor giant’s positive outlook for AI chip demand boosted market sentiment, particularly for companies like Nvidia that rely on TSMC’s manufacturing.

Market Performance and Key Movers

Major stock indices posted modest gains in recent trading, with technology shares leading the advance according to market reports. The S&P 500 reportedly rose 0.4%, though analysts noted trading has been erratic throughout the week with repeated swings between gains and losses. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 85 points, or 0.2%, as of 11 a.m. Eastern time, while the Nasdaq composite showed stronger performance with a 0.7% increase.

Gaming HardwareSemiconductors

AMD Enters ARM Market with Sound Wave APU on TSMC 3nm Process

AMD is expanding beyond x86 architecture with its first ARM-based APU, codenamed “Sound Wave.” Built on TSMC’s 3nm process, the chip targets 5-10W TDP with hybrid cores and RDNA 3.5 graphics. The processor is expected to power Microsoft Surface devices in 2026.

AMD is making a strategic entry into the ARM market with its groundbreaking “Sound Wave” APU, marking the company’s first significant foray beyond x86 architecture in over a decade. The custom-built processor, manufactured on TSMC’s advanced 3nm process, represents AMD’s direct challenge to Qualcomm’s dominance in the low-power computing segment. According to customs import records that confirmed the chip’s specifications, Sound Wave features a compact BGA-1074 package measuring 32 mm × 27 mm, positioning it perfectly for next-generation thin and light devices where energy efficiency and AI capabilities are becoming increasingly critical.

AMD Sound Wave Technical Specifications and Design