Stocks Climb Before the Open as TSMC Reignites AI Optimism, U.S. Economic Data and Earnings in Focus

Economic data released on Wednesday showed that U.S. retail sales climbed +0.6% m/m in November, stronger than expectations of +0.5% m/m, and core retail sales, which exclude motor vehicles and parts, grew +0.5% m/m, stronger than expectations of +0.4% m/m. Also, the U.S. producer price index (PPI) for final demand rose +3.0% y/y in November, stronger than expectations of +2.7% y/y, and the core PPI rose +3.0% y/y, stronger than expectations of +2.7% y/y. In addition, U.S. December existing home sales rose ...