Stock Market Today: TSMC, SMR, COST, VST, and OKLO Signal the Future of AI, Retail, and Clean Energy

The stock market today reflects a powerful convergence of artificial intelligence, resilient consumer demand, and the accelerating shift toward clean energy. From Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s AI-driven chip surge to nuclear-focused energy plays like NuScale, Vistra, and Oklo, investors are closely watching how innovation and long-term contracts are reshaping growth narratives. Meanwhile, Costco continues to prove that value-driven retail can thrive even in uncertain economic conditions. Together, TSMC, SMR, COST, VST, and OKLO offer a snapshot of where global markets may be heading next.

Key Points

TSMC beat revenue forecasts as AI chip demand surged.
NuScale gained momentum after regulatory approvals and analyst upgrades.
Costco benefited from strong in-store and online sales growth.
Vistra rallied on long-term nuclear power agreements with Meta.
Oklo strengthened its outlook through AI-driven nuclear energy partnerships.

TSMC: AI Demand Powers Record-Breaking Momentum

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world’s largest contract chipmaker, reported a strong fourth-quarter performance as demand for AI-related chips continued to accelerate. According to Reuters, TSMC’s Q4 revenue jumped more than 20% year over year, surpassing market forecasts and landing near the top end of its own guidance.

The surge highlights how AI workloads from major clients such as Nvidia and Apple are offsetting weaker demand in consumer electronics. Analysts cited by Reuters point to AI applications as the primary growth engine, with TSMC expected to provide updated guidance on capital spending and revenue growth during its upcoming earnings call. Investors have already rewarded the company, with its shares significantly outperforming Taiwan’s broader market over the past year.

SMR: NuScale Rallies as Confidence Improves

NuScale Power (SMR) shares jumped sharply as renewed optimism emerged around its small modular reactor technology. Coverage summarized by MSN notes that Bank of America upgraded the stock to a Neutral rating, arguing that NuScale’s deployment timeline is now closer to its base-case expectations.

A key catalyst is regulatory progress. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission approved NuScale’s uprated reactor design in 2025, making it only the second SMR design to receive such approval. Support from the Tennessee Valley Authority, along with agreements to deploy large-scale nuclear capacity, has strengthened the company’s credibility. However, analysts caution that limited near-term contract visibility could cap upside, even as retail sentiment remains extremely bullish.

Costco: Value Retail Wins Over Shoppers

Costco Wholesale (COST) delivered another reminder that bargain-focused retail can thrive despite inflation pressures. According to Nasdaq, Costco’s shares rose after the company reported strong December sales, with net sales climbing 8.5% year over year.

Comparable sales growth remained solid across U.S. and global operations, while online sales surged at a double-digit pace. Analysts attribute this performance to Costco’s disciplined pricing strategy, curated product selection, and loyal membership base. As consumers remain cost-conscious, Costco’s ability to deliver value both in-store and online positions it for steady earnings growth in the years ahead.

VST: Vistra Surges on Meta Nuclear Power Deal

Vistra (VST) stock surged in pre-market trading after announcing long-term nuclear energy agreements with Meta Platforms. Stocktwits reports that the contracts span two decades and will supply more than 2,600 megawatts of carbon-free electricity to support Meta’s expanding data center operations.

The energy will primarily come from existing nuclear plants in Ohio and Pennsylvania, with additional capacity added through planned upgrades. Initial power delivery is expected to begin in late 2026, with incremental increases through 2034. While Vistra’s shares had declined over the past year prior to the announcement, investor sentiment quickly turned extremely bullish following the deal.

OKLO: Nuclear Innovation Meets AI Infrastructure

Oklo (OKLO) continues to gain attention as hyperscalers seek reliable, clean energy for AI infrastructure. Investing.com reports that Wedbush reaffirmed an Outperform rating and a $150 price target after Meta announced agreements for up to 6.6 gigawatts of new nuclear energy capacity across Oklo, Vistra, and TerraPower.

Oklo’s role includes developing a 1.2-gigawatt power campus in Ohio, backed by Meta prepayments that help fund early-stage development. Analysts highlight Oklo’s strong balance sheet, regulatory progress, and technological milestones, including advances with the U.S. Department of Energy and national laboratories. While some valuation models suggest the stock may be trading above fair value, others see nuclear energy as a critical solution to AI-driven power constraints.

Conclusion: Where Innovation, Energy, and Value Converge

TSMC, SMR, COST, VST, and OKLO represent more than short-term stock moves. Together, they illustrate how AI adoption, clean energy investment, and consumer value are reshaping global markets. Semiconductor leadership enables AI breakthroughs, nuclear power offers scalable and reliable energy, and resilient retailers like Costco anchor portfolios with dependable cash flow. For investors, today’s stock market signals a future where innovation and sustainability are not just themes, but foundational drivers of long-term growth.

FAQ

Why is TSMC benefiting from AI growth?
AI applications require advanced chips, and TSMC is the leading manufacturer for major AI-focused companies.

What makes NuScale’s SMR technology important?
Small modular reactors offer scalable, low-carbon power with regulatory approval, appealing to governments and utilities.

Why is Costco performing well despite economic uncertainty?
Costco’s low-price, high-value model attracts cost-conscious consumers and builds strong member loyalty.

How does nuclear energy support AI data centers?
AI infrastructure demands reliable, continuous power, which nuclear energy can provide without carbon emissions.

Is Oklo considered a high-risk investment?
Oklo offers high growth potential tied to advanced nuclear technology, but it also carries volatility typical of emerging energy innovators.

Sources:

Reuters – TSMC fourth-quarter revenue and AI-driven growth
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/tsmc-posts-q4-revenue-104608-billion-above-forecasts-2026-01-09/
MSN – Analyst perspective on NuScale Power stock surge
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/what-is-fueling-smr-stock-s-surge-today/ar-AA1TT4sp
Nasdaq – Analysis of Costco’s December sales performance
https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/why-costco-stock-popped-today
Stocktwits – Vistra and Meta nuclear energy agreement details
https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/why-did-vistra-stock-surge-pre-market-today/cmU2fYrR4de
Investing.com – Oklo outlook following Meta nuclear energy deal
https://uk.investing.com/news/analyst-ratings/oklo-stock-maintains-outperform-rating-as-meta-nuclear-deal-boosts-outlook-93CH-4446543

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