TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s stock market closed lower Wednesday, tracking losses in US equities as weakness in major technology stocks weighed on the broader market.
The Taiwan Capitalization Weighted Stock Index (TAIEX) finished down 728.06 points at 23,625.44. Turnover reached NT$546 billion (US$18 billion), according to CNA and CTEE.
TSMC declined 4.22% to NT$1,135, accounting for a 402-point drag on the TAIEX. MediaTek slipped 2.52% to NT$1,355, while Foxconn fell 3.61% to NT$200.5.
In contrast, UMC gained 2.07% to NT$41.9 after US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed Washington is in talks to acquire a 10% stake in Intel, a UMC partner.
Electronics shares more broadly moved lower, including companies tied to artificial intelligence and materials for printed circuit boards. Silicon photonics stocks also retreated, with Browave down 5.07% to NT$196.5, LandMark Optoelectronics off 6.73% to NT$463, Elite Advanced Laser losing 6.83% to NT$191, and Accton Technology down 5.81% to NT$956.
Taiwan Glass closed at the daily limit down at NT$32.4 after the spouse of company president Lin Po-shi (林伯實) announced plans to sell 400,000 shares starting Friday.
At the Automation Taipei 2025 exhibition, industrial automation companies showcased new technologies, though related robotics stocks weakened. Aurotek dropped more than 9%, while Delta Electronics, Advantech, Nexcom, Hiwin Technologies, and Ace Pillar also ended lower.
Outside large-cap tech, home and lifestyle stocks offered some support. Nien Made Enterprise and Taiwan Sakura posted gains, boosting the household goods index.
In biotech, Polaris Pharmaceuticals hit the daily limit-up, helping the sector index finish slightly higher after earlier volatility.
Taishin Securities Investment Advisory Vice President Huang Wen-ching (黃文清) said the rally that began in April may pause as investors lock in profits, leading to short-term consolidation. With companies entering an earnings lull, he noted that market direction will hinge on fundamentals and news developments.
He pointed to US semiconductor policy, Washington’s stance toward TSMC, and the upcoming Semicon Taiwan exhibition in mid-September as key factors. Nvidia’s Aug. 28 earnings report will also be closely watched for signs of continued AI investment momentum.
Huang added that September inflation data could play a key role, as US interest rate decisions may affect global markets.
This information is not intended as personalized financial advice. Investors should conduct their own research before making investment decisions.
