Taiwan Stocks Near Record High on Tech Boost

The TAIEX, Taiwan’s benchmark stock index, climbed 293 points, or 0.8%, to 41,897 in early Monday trading, erasing losses from the previous session and edging closer to a record high of 41,934 reached last Thursday, mainly supported by strength in chip-related stocks. The broader index tracked gains on Wall Street on Friday, buoyed by stronger-than-expected US jobs data. However, renewed escalation of tensions in the Middle East capped gains, while traders awaited the US April inflation data on Tuesday. The advance was led by the electronics sector, which rose 1.1%, with MediaTek surging 7.3%. Other notable gainers included Accton Technology Corp. (9.9%), ASE Technology Holding (3.1%), Delta Electronics (2.5%), and Hon Hai Precision Industry (0.8%). By contrast, TSMC, which accounts for more than 40% of the total market value, fell 1.5%.

The TAIEX, Taiwan’s benchmark stock index, fell 136 points, or 0.3%, to 41,794 in Friday morning trading, erasing gains from the previous four sessions as traders took profits after the index hit a record high for the fourth straight day. The broader index retreated from its record peak reached a day earlier at 41,998 after briefly breaking the 42,000 level intraday, mainly supported by strength in the chip sector. The decline was mainly driven by the electronic technology sector, which fell 0.9% after surging on Thursday. TSMC, which accounts for more than 40% of the total market value, fell 0.4%. The index tracked a downbeat session on Wall Street overnight as traders awaited Iran’s response to the latest US peace proposal. A renewed escalation of tensions in the Middle East also further pressured sentiment. Other major laggards included Delta Electronics (-2.2%), Hon Hai Precision Industry (-1.0%), ASE Technology Holding (-3.0%), and Accton Technology Corp. (-8.0%).

The TAIEX, Taiwan’s benchmark stock index, surged 880 points, or 2.1%, to 42,019 in Thursday morning trade, gaining for a fourth straight session as optimism over AI infrastructure demand continued to lift sentiment. The broader index hit a record high for the fourth consecutive session and surpassed the 42,000 mark for the first time, after closing above the 41,000-point mark for the first time at 41,139 on Wednesday. The index tracked a rally on Wall Street overnight amid hopes of US-Iran peace talks, along with solid earnings in AI stocks. Electronic technology continued to be the main driver of the index, which rose 2.6%, with notable gains from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), which accounts for more than 40% of total market value, and surged 3.1%. Other top movers included Delta Electronics (6.3%), Unimicron Technology Corp. (4.8%), and ASE Technology Holding (4.4%).