TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s stock market gave up early gains on Thursday, as an initial boost from the US Federal Reserve’s rate cut faded during the session.
The Taiwan Capitalization Weighted Stock Index set an intraday record high of 28,568.02. It closed down 375.98 points at 28,024.75, with turnover totaling NT$517.8 billion (US$16.6 billion), according to CNA and CTEE.
TSMC, which went ex-dividend with a cash payout of about NT$5 per share, initially filled its dividend gap, a move that reflects recovery from the typical drop following a dividend payout. The recovery supported the TAIEX early in the day, but later selling pulled the stock 2% lower to NT$1,470, contributing about 240 points to the market’s decline.
Foxconn slipped 3.21% to NT$226, MediaTek declined 4.45% to NT$1,395, and Delta Electronics eased 2.38% to NT$945. The electronics subindex fell about 1.75%, making it one of the weakest sectors.
Co-packaged optics concept stocks outperformed. CPO technology integrates optics and silicon within a single package to meet rising bandwidth and power-efficiency needs.
Intelliepi, Fic Global, Apogee Optocom, Winstek Semiconductor, and Enli Technology all closed at the daily limit, becoming the session’s strongest performers.
The printed circuit board segment also saw active trading. Co-Tech Development drew heavy turnover before giving back part of its gains, while Topoint Technology reached the limit-up price of NT$166.5, marking a new high.
Their trading momentum helped boost related names such as Taiwan Glass and Fulltech Fiber Glass, which were among the most heavily traded. Fiberglass fabrics, produced from glass-fiber yarns, are a key material used in copper-clad laminates that are later manufactured into printed circuit boards for electronic devices, according to Sinotrade.
Chemical stocks also strengthened. Double Bond Chemical hit the limit-up early and stayed elevated on expectations surrounding its transition toward electronic materials.
Qualipoly Chemical rose more than 3% on anticipated demand from 5G and high-performance computing applications, while Chung Hwa Chemical Industrial Works advanced on plans to add new capacity in the fourth quarter. CoreMax, San Fu Chemical, Allied Supreme, and Eternal Materials also posted gains, lifting the chemical subindex by more than 1%.
CTBC Investments said the Fed’s rate cut aligned with market expectations. Its accompanying message suggested comfort with maintaining monetary conditions, which generally reinforces investor confidence.
The firm said Thursday’s market retreat largely reflected profit-taking after the index climbed about 2,000 points from late November. It added that although large-cap stocks weakened, many small-, mid-cap, and theme-driven shares remained resilient, suggesting the broader uptrend has not shifted.
In industry developments, US optical communications company Lumentum plans to raise product prices next year. Its upcoming 1.6-terabit-per-second optical offerings are viewed as an important growth driver, with increased shipments expected by mid-2026.
Analysts said Taiwanese companies in the CPO supply chain may benefit from rising demand. CTBC noted that investors seeking exposure to this trend may consider semiconductor or technology-oriented exchange-traded funds.
This information is not intended as personalized financial advice. Investors are encouraged to conduct their own research and analysis before making investment decisions.
