TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s stock market opened lower Monday amid tensions in the Middle East but recovered to close above the 35,000-point level.
The Taiwan Capitalization Weighted Stock Index (TAIEX) ended down 319.4 points at 35,095.09. Turnover totaled NT$966.8 billion (US$30.7 billion), according to CNA and CTEE.
TSMC fell 1% to NT$1,975. Foxconn dropped 1.65% to NT$239, MediaTek declined 1.29% to NT$1,920, and Delta Electronics edged down 0.35% to NT$1,425.
The index fell by as much as 809 points early in the session before recovering as investors increased purchases of widely held stocks. Active sectors included low-earth-orbit (LEO) satellites, silicon photonics, and equipment companies, according to CTEE.
Interest in space technology, a key theme at this year’s Mobile World Congress through March 5, supported LEO satellite firms. Compeq Manufacturing, Tsec, Auden Techno, Unitech Printed Circuit Board, Zinwell, Prime Electronics, Satellitics, Alpha Networks, and New Era Electronics all reached their daily limits.
Silicon photonics companies Landmark Optoelectronics, VisEra Technologies, LuxNet, Ezconn, and MssCorps also hit their daily limits. Advances in artificial intelligence are driving a shift in optical communication from copper to faster light-based systems, and orders for Taiwanese suppliers are expected to remain strong, according to Anue.
The Middle East conflict is expected to benefit sectors including petrochemicals, defense, heavy electrical equipment, energy storage, and shipping. However, aviation and tourism are facing challenges from flight disruptions and operational uncertainty, according to CTEE.
Shipping stocks rose as some carriers rerouted liquefied natural gas and crude shipments to avoid high-risk areas, raising supply chain concerns and freight rates. Sincere Navigation led the sector, reaching its daily limit early in the session, while Evergreen Marine, Yang Ming Marine Transport, and Wan Hai Lines rose 6.6%, 4.53%, and 4.58%, respectively.
In the airline sector, China Airlines fell 5.48%, while Eva Air dropped 4.47%. Tourism-related stocks also declined, with Lion Travel down 1.99% and Phoenix Tours International falling 1.4%.
The glass sector recorded the largest overall gains, rising 9.29%. Taiwan Glass reached its daily limit at NT$67.2, and China Glaze added 5.65%.
Fuh Hwa Taiwan Future 50 Active ETF manager Lu Hung-yu (呂宏宇) said US–Iran tensions and concerns following Nvidia’s recent earnings report have increased volatility in global and local markets. He noted that Taiwan’s market remains fairly valued.
Taiwan’s position in the AI supply chain is expected to continue supporting long-term growth. Lu advised investors to consider opportunities in sectors affected by supply shortages, price adjustments, or AI-driven upgrades.
This information is not intended as personalized financial advice. Investors are encouraged to conduct their own research before making investment decisions.
