TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s stock market closed higher Friday, extending its rally as gains on Wall Street and improved investor sentiment lifted the benchmark index briefly above the 32,000-point level for the first time.
The Taiwan Capitalization Weighted Stock Index, or TAIEX, gained 215.43 points to close at 31,961.51, after reaching a record intraday high of 32,042.44. Turnover totaled NT$794.4 billion (US$25.3 billion), according to CNA and CTEE.
For the week, the index gained 552.81 points, marking its fifth straight weekly advance.
TSMC rose 0.57% to close at NT$1,770. Delta Electronics added 1.2% to NT$1,260 after touching a record high of NT$1,285 intraday.
MediaTek reached its daily limit-up at NT$1,630, supported by market expectations that its jointly developed N1 processor with Nvidia is approaching launch. In contrast, Foxconn declined 0.89% to NT$221.50, reflecting continued portfolio adjustments and turnover pressure ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday.
Robot-related shares drew buying interest following comments by Tesla CEO Elon Musk that the Optimus humanoid robot is expected to be available for public sale by the end of the year. Everfocus Electronics, Quaser Machine Tools, and Trinity Precision Technology all closed at their daily limit-ups, while Mirle Automation, Kye Systems, Taiwan Benefit, Tbi Motion Technology, and Ace Pillar recorded solid gains.
Low Earth orbit satellite-related stocks also remained active. Universal Microwave Technology rose to its daily limit at NT$1,080, setting a new high on expectations of expanding order backlogs and improved shipment visibility.
Printed circuit board makers Unitech PCB and Compeq Manufacturing advanced in tandem, reflecting sustained investor interest in satellite communications supply chains. PCBs serve as the base for all electronic components, according to Sinotrade.
Analysts said heavyweight electronics stocks continued to underpin the broader market. However, with the index trading at elevated levels, volatility has increased, and funds have rotated toward thematic sectors and companies with clearer earnings visibility, according to CTEE.
Market focus remains on extended artificial intelligence supply chains, expectations of a recovery in memory chip pricing, and emerging technologies such as low Earth orbit satellites and silicon photonics. Analysts noted that stocks with significant recent gains may face near-term profit-taking pressure.
Looking ahead, Wei Yung-hsiang (魏永祥), manager of the Taishin Taiwan Growth Dominance ETF, said markets are closely watching potential external catalysts, including a US Supreme Court ruling on the constitutionality of US President Donald Trump’s tariff policies and the selection of the next Federal Reserve chair. He added that upcoming earnings briefings from major global technology firms will be key in shaping expectations for business conditions and artificial intelligence industry trends in the year ahead.
This information is not intended as personalized financial advice. Investors are encouraged to conduct their own research and analysis before making investment decisions.
