Taiwan Shares Jump Past 38,000 Mark

The TAIEX, Taiwan’s benchmark stock index, surged 902 points, or 2.4%, to 38,624 in Friday morning trading, supported by optimism over the development of AI infrastructure, after the index fell in the previous session. The broader index broke through the 38,000-point level for the second time in early trading. Sentiment was also lifted by Thursday’s data, which showed a surge in industrial production, soaring 28.7% in March, the fastest growth since May 2020. Contract chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), which accounts for more than 40% of total market capitalization, jumped 4.3%. Traders shrugged off the stalemate in US-Iran ceasefire talks and sought to maintain momentum. Electronic technology and technology services stocks led the gains, with Phison Electronics, Nan Ya Printed Circuit Board, Ventec International Group, and Chenbro Micom each surging by the daily limit of 10%.

The TAIEX, Taiwan’s benchmark stock index, dropped 577 points, or 1.6%, to 37,298 in Thursday morning trade, as traders took profits after the index reached a second straight session of record highs, supported by optimism over the development of AI infrastructure. However, investors await the release of a slew of economic data later today, including industrial output, retail sales, and the unemployment rate. A rally on Wall Street overnight prevented the index from falling further, after US President Trump extended a ceasefire with Iran. Transportation stocks mainly dragged the index, with notable losses from Evergreen Marine (-1.0%), Wan Hai Lines (-0.8%), and EVA Airways Corp (-3.7%). Other stocks also fell, including Lotes and Swancor Advanced Materials, which dropped by 10% each. However, contract chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), which accounts for more than 40% of total market capitalization, rose 0.7%.

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.