Taiwan Equities Hit New Record High on Tech Stocks

The TAIEX, the Taiwan Stock Exchange’s benchmark index, rose 776 points, or 2.1%, to a fresh record high of 37,694 in Tuesday morning trade, extending gains from the previous session, mainly driven by technology stocks. Contract chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), which accounts for more than 40% of total market value, soared 2.0%, as traders bought the dip after its shares posted losses on Monday. The firm reported a 58% jump in net profit in Q1 2026, beating market forecasts and driven by AI demand. The broader index tracked US futures amid hopes of a second round of US–Iran negotiations. However, investors awaited the release of a slew of economic data later this week, including industrial output, retail sales, and the unemployment rate. Other early gainers included MediaTek, Taiwan-Asia Semiconductor, and Phoenix Silicon International Corp., which surged around 10% each.

The TAIEX, Taiwan Stock Exchange’s benchmark index, climbed 446 points, or 1.2%, to a new record high of 37,251 in Monday morning trade, rebounding from the previous session, mainly supported by communications, technology services, and industrial services. Contract chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), which accounts for more than 40% of total market value, rose 1.2% after reporting a 58% surge in net profit in Q1 2026, beating market forecasts, driven by AI demand. Traders largely ignored escalating tensions in the Middle East after Iran reasserted control over the Strait of Hormuz, arguing that the U.S. blockade on Iran-linked vessels violated the ceasefire agreement. Sentiment was also lifted after China’s central bank decided to hold its key lending rate at 3%, while China’s economic growth beat market forecasts. Other early gainers included VisEra Technologies, Qualipoy Chemical Corp, Lintes Technology, and Mirle Automation, which rose around 10% each.

The benchmark TAIEX rose 625 points, or 1.7%, to a fresh record peak of 36,980 in Wednesday morning deals, gaining for the seventh straight session and tracking Wall Street higher overnight amid optimism over US-Iran peace talks. Growing optimism about the talks raised hopes that foreign institutional investors would pick up tech heavyweights. Sentiment was also lifted by expectations that the Chinese Q1 economy will grow by 4.8% yoy, up from a 4.5% expansion in Q4 2025. A slew of Chinese economic data will be released on Thursday, including Q1 GDP. Most sectors were trading in the green, including manufacturing, electronic technology, and distribution services. Lintes Tech, LCY Tech, Sixxon Tech, Ace Pilar, and Infortrend Tech were among the shares that surged around 10%. Meanwhile, Contract chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), which accounts for more than 40% of total market value, rose 1.7% after its American depositary receipts gained 2.79% overnight.