Taiwan Equities Hit Another Record High on AI Strength

The TAIEX, Taiwan’s benchmark stock index, climbed 413 points, or 1.1%, to a new record high of 37,978 in Wednesday early trade, extending gains from the two previous sessions, driven mainly by technology stocks as investors maintained upward momentum. Optimism over the development of AI infrastructure continued to lift sentiment. The broader index tracked US futures following a statement from US President Donald Trump, who announced he was extending a ceasefire with Iran, amid uncertainty over the outcome of US–Iran peace talks. Contract chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), which accounts for more than 40% of total market capitalisation, rose 0.7%. The company reported a 58% jump in net profit in Q1 2026, beating market forecasts and driven by AI demand. Other top performers included Innolux Optoelectronics, Scientech, and AP Memory Technology, which surged around 10% each.

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.