CHINA'S XI, IN MEETING WITH ABU DHABI CROWN PRINCE: MUST BUILD MORE ROBUST, COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN CHINA AND ARAB WORLD - POOL REPORT

IMF FORECASTS 2026 GLOBAL GDP GROWTH AT 3.1% UNDER 'REFERENCE FORECAST' ASSUMING SHORT-LIVED IRAN WAR, ENERGY PRICE DISRUPTIONS IMF EXPECTS JAPAN'S ECONOMY TO GROW 0.7% IN 2026, 0.6% IN 2027

TSMC is likely to report strong 1Q results broadly in line with consensus, according to Bernstein analysts. They say capacity freed up from Qualcomm and MediaTek mobile chips should be easily absorbed by AI-related demand. While energy costs linked to the Middle East conflict may rise, the impact is unlikely to be immediate, leaving upside risk to 2Q margins. Electricity costs account for only a low single-digit share of revenue, making it relatively easy for TSMC to pass through any cost increases. However, Bernstein expects the company to keep capex guidance unchanged this earnings season despite ongoing chip shortages and geopolitical uncertainty.