UMC starts mass production in Singapore; Citi sees improving outlook

Commercial buildings illuminated at dusk in Singapore, on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026. Photographer: SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg via Getty Images Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images Taiwan’s second-largest contract chipmaker, United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC), announced Tuesday its first mass-produced silicon photonics wafers manufactured within its Singapore facility. UMC is aiming to address the growing demand for high-speed…

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Restarting the clock in war with Iran

The Hills Defense & NetSec Newsletter {Beacon} Defense & National Security Welcome to Defense & National Security, your feedback matters to us. Take our short newsletter survey to help us improve the newsletters you read every day. Big Story: Restarting the clock for war with Iran President Trump has formally informed Congress that the US……

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Private credit stress test as higher rates squeeze borrowers

Higher-for-longer interest rates were once heralded as an attractive yield driver for private credit investors, but industry professionals say tighter monetary policy is becoming the sector’s next major stress point. Global central banks are grappling with renewed inflation pressures, following the energy squeeze caused by the Middle East war, which is raising the prospect of…

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