The Trading Post | 01.16.26

Good morning,

Tech and AI are back in control as TSMC reignites semiconductor animal spirits, a $250B US–Taiwan chip pact accelerates onshoring, regional banks beat and boost buybacks, small caps notch fresh all-time highs, freight sends mixed signals, Powell fights off political heat, and China keeps trimming Treasuries while allies pick up the tab.

Brandon Wendell is hosting a free class revealing how futures trading can give you more flexibility, require less capital, and help you trade on your own schedule—even with a full-time job. 

Let’s jump in.

Pre-Market Performance

As of 01.15.26 market close.

Market News

• Tech / AI surge: TSMC’s blowout quarter and a massive US–Taiwan chip investment deal reignited semiconductor momentum, lifting Nasdaq futures toward fresh highs while the S&P 500 and Dow hover within striking distance of records. CNBC

• Banks catch a bid: PNC and M&T both topped Q4 estimates, guided higher NII for 2026, accelerated buybacks, and reinforced the message that rate cuts plus solid credit are a gift to quality regionals. PNC

• Freight reality check: J.B. Hunt beat on EPS via aggressive cost cuts but flagged a still-fragile freight market, reminding traders that margins can improve even when volumes don’t. TradingView

• Fed independence drama: Powell publicly pushed back against subpoena pressure tied to prior testimony, keeping political risk in the background as traders watch today’s industrial production and balance-sheet data. Federal Reserve

• Treasury flows shift: China cut US Treasury holdings for a ninth straight month to the lowest level since 2008, while overall foreign ownership hit records—changing who owns the debt, not whether it’s owned. Morningstar

A Message From Wealth Builders HQ

Trade Futures on Your Terms—Free Class with Brandon Wendell 

If you've ever felt stuck trading only during market hours, frustrated by account size limitations, or exhausted from being chained to your screen, this free training is for you. 

Brandon Wendell, CMT—a 20-year futures veteran and former hedge fund manager—is hosting The Emini Revolution, a complimentary class that reveals how futures trading can transform your approach to the markets. 

Inside this training, you'll discover: 

• The Flexibility of Futures Trading – Trade outside regular market hours, whether you're a night owl or juggling a 9-to-5 

• How to Grow a Smaller Account – Learn to leverage futures without tying up thousands in single positions 

• Professional Risk Management – Discover how prioritizing protection leads to consistent, scalable results 

Brandon doesn't just teach theory—he trades these markets daily and has trained thousands of students worldwide. As a Chartered Market Technician® (a credential held by less than 1% of traders), he brings institutional-level insight to everyday traders. 

This class is perfect if you: 

• Struggle to trade consistently due to time constraints 

• Feel limited by your account size 

• Want to learn spreads but they seem too complicated 

• Jump from strategy to strategy without clear results 

Register now for The Emini Revolution and discover why futures may be the most overlooked opportunity for today's traders—offering you flexibility, lower barriers to entry, and a safer path to consistent results. 

Spots are limited, so reserve your free seat today. 

Earnings We’re Watching

• M&T Bank Corp (MTB) - Friday (BMO) 

• PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (PNC) - Friday (BMO) 

• State Street Corp. (STT) - Friday (BMO) 

Trade Ideas

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Daily Moment of Zen

Why It Matters:

Management risk is real, hubris is inevitable, and markets eventually stress-test every great story. In strong trends, fundamentals feel optional—until they suddenly aren’t. Trade what’s in front of you, size like tomorrow matters, and never assume the current operator is the smartest person who’ll ever touch the keys.