What is in the US-Taiwan tariff deal and why does it matter for markets?

The US-Taiwan tariff deal caps US tariffs on Taiwanese goods at up to 15%, secures $44.4 billion in US energy imports by Taiwan, and prioritizes cooperation on semiconductors. Lower tariff and sourcing uncertainty reduces cost and delay risks for advanced chips. That supports AI hardware supply, steadies capex plans, and can improve risk sentiment in indices with heavy chip weightings, including the Nasdaq 100, as long as political follow-through holds.

How could the US-Taiwan tariff deal impact Nasdaq 100 today and chip stocks?

A tariff cap and clearer energy sourcing lighten near-term supply risks for GPUs and advanced nodes. That tailwind favors chip stocks and AI infrastructure names, which dominate the Nasdaq 100. If Taiwan’s parliament approves and China responds cautiously, breakouts toward resistance are possible. A negative response would likely cap rallies and push the index back toward lower volatility bands, keeping trading range-bound until clarity returns.

What should German investors monitor in the semiconductor supply chain now?

Watch Taiwan’s parliamentary approval, any China policy response, and updates on HBM memory, advanced node capacity, and packaging lead times. Track inventory and order trends at chipmakers and large cloud buyers. For execution, align entries with technical support, use staged orders, and consider currency hedging for euro-based portfolios. Reassess exposure if export controls tighten or delivery timelines stretch beyond current guidance.

What are the key technical levels and risk markers for ^NDX in the near term?

Support clusters near 24,389–24,496, with resistance around 25,334–25,437. ATR near 420 points implies typical daily swings near 1.6%–1.8%. RSI at 40 shows cooling momentum, while a negative MACD warns of trend fatigue. A close above 25,500 could open 26,100–26,200. A sustained break below 24,400 suggests a test of 24,000. Use stops just beyond these bands to manage risk.

Global Market Insights

^NDX Today: February 15 – US-Taiwan Tariff Deal Puts AI Chips in Focus

ByDanny Kontos February 15, 2026February 15, 2026

The US-Taiwan tariff deal is front and center for Nasdaq 100 today as investors weigh a lower-risk path for AI hardware. The pact caps US tariffs on Taiwanese goods at up to 15%, secures $44.4 billion in US energy purchases by Taiwan, and prioritizes semiconductors. For Germany, this matters because local manufacturers and savers are exposed to the semiconductor supply chain through US tech ETFs and chip suppliers. We break down index levels, chip stocks read-through, and practical steps for portfolios.