TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s stock market closed higher on Thursday, supported by TSMC gains and improved sentiment following record highs in the US Nasdaq and S&P 500 indexes.
The Taiwan Capitalization Weighted Stock Index (TAIEX) rose 135.23 points to finish at 22,712.97. Turnover totaled NT$374 billion (US$13 billion), according to CNA and CTEE.
TSMC edged up 0.46% to close at NT$1,090, buoyed by its US-listed shares hitting a record high. The stock remained firm throughout the session, contributing to the market’s upward movement.
MediaTek, which went ex-dividend on Thursday, deducted NT$25 per share in its pricing. While it initially filled the adjusted price, the stock eventually declined by 1.93% to NT$1,270.
Ex-dividend trading typically sees a downward price adjustment to reflect cash distributions to shareholders. Foxconn, which entered ex-dividend trading on Wednesday, ended the session up 1.23% at NT$164.
Improved sentiment also followed news that Vietnam had signed a trade agreement with the US, boosting Taiwanese contract shoemakers. Lai Yih Footwear and Sports Gear both closed at daily limits of NT$310 and NT$113, respectively.
Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp. was another notable gainer, rising 9.97% to NT$17.65 with a trading volume of 98,851 lots, or 98.851 million shares. The rally was prompted by reports that US-based Navitas Semiconductor is seeking production support from PSMC, following TSMC’s announcement that it plans to gradually phase out its gallium nitride operations over the next two years.
Gallium nitride, or GaN, is an advanced semiconductor material known for its outstanding durability, rapid switching capabilities, and energy efficiency. Compared to traditional silicon, GaN offers superior performance, making it well-suited for compact, high-power devices across a range of applications, from consumer electronics to renewable energy systems, according to Efficient Power Conversion.
In the marine sector, Alexander Marine continued its upward trend after securing a sale of a luxury yacht over 30 m in length. The company’s shares rose by the daily limit for a second consecutive session, closing at NT$228.5.
Taishin Mainstream Fund Manager Huang Chien-yun (黃千雲) attributed recent gains in US markets to stronger-than-expected earnings and consistent capital spending by major cloud service providers. Huang added that progress in international tariff negotiations has also contributed to improved short-term market sentiment in Taiwan, spurring sectoral rotation.
Huang cautioned that although the TAIEX has reached higher levels, geopolitical uncertainty remains a potential source of volatility. Market participants are expected to closely monitor developments in Taiwan-US tariff policies, which could shape market direction going forward.
Huang identified stocks related to artificial intelligence inference, silicon photonics, edge AI, robotics, semiconductors, automotive electronics, and cybersecurity, as areas worth tracking for potential growth.
This information is not intended as personalized financial advice. Investors are encouraged to conduct their own research and analysis before making investment decisions.
