Taiwan Stocks Hit Record High on Tech Strength

The TAIEX, Taiwan’s benchmark stock index, rose 238 points, or 0.6%, to 42,028 in early Tuesday trading, extending gains for a second straight session and hitting a record high, supported by tech stocks. The broader index tracked a Wall Street rally on Monday, buoyed by strength in chip-related stocks. However, renewed escalation of tensions in the Middle East capped gains, while traders await the US April inflation data later today. Technology services surged 5.2% as optimism over AI infrastructure demand continued to lift sentiment. Among the top performers were Wiwynn Corporation (9.6%) and International Games (2.3%). Meanwhile, the electronic technology sector rose 0.88%, with TSMC, which accounts for more than 40% of the total market value, up 0.5%. Traders also monitored plans for a meeting between US President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping later this week.

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%).