TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s stock market opened lower Friday following declines in major US indexes overnight.
The Taiwan Capitalization Weighted Stock Index (TAIEX) briefly turned positive during the session but closed down 73.4 points at 33,599.54. Turnover fell to NT$631 billion (US$19.8 billion), compared with NT$966.8 billion on Monday, according to CNA and CTEE.
For the week, the TAIEX dropped 1,814.95 points, ending a two-week winning streak.
TSMC slipped 0.53% to NT$1,890, accounting for roughly 80 points of the TAIEX’s loss. Foxconn fell 0.45% to NT$223, and Delta Electronics decreased 1.12% to NT$1,320, while MediaTek rose 3.2% to NT$1,775.
Memory stocks underperformed, with Macronix International down 4.65% after a buyer failed to settle NT$59 million in payments. Winbond Electronics, Nanya Technology, and PSMC also saw significant declines.
Global energy tensions have affected local markets. Rising crude oil prices, driven by instability in the Middle East, supported gains in petrochemical-related shares.
Formosa Plastics, China General Plastics, Asia Polymer, Taita Chemical, Taiwan Styrene Monomer, Grand Pacific Petrochemical, Upc Technology, China Petrochemical Development, Asia Plastic Recycling, and Formosa Petrochemical all hit daily limit-ups.
Natural gas stocks also attracted attention after Qatar, Asia’s main supplier, halted liquefied natural gas production, leaving Taiwan with eight days of reserves, according to Yahoo Stocks. Shin Shin Natural Gas, Hsin Kao Gas, Hsin Tai Gas, and Shan-Loong Transportation recorded gains.
Shan-Loong posted its sixth consecutive session of increases, including five limit-ups. Over the period, it rose by more than 60%.
Concord Securities project manager Yao Chun-ta (姚君達) said geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are prompting markets to reassess global risks. For financial markets, Yao noted, energy supply stability the main concern, rather than battlefield developments.
Concord Securities investment director Liao Chi-hung (廖繼弘) noted that sector rotation remains orderly. Funds have shifted into cooling-related shares, while low-orbit satellite stocks consolidate.
He said that recent gains and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty may slow a quick recovery. He added that the market’s pause after gains is healthy and identified 32,500 points as a potential TAIEX support level.
Looking ahead, Liao advised investors to watch Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s (黃仁勳) upcoming presentation for potential catalysts in the electronics sector. Traditional sectors such as oil, energy, and defense remain relevant, while shipping may face challenges as Middle East uncertainties persist.
This information is not intended as personalized financial advice. Investors are encouraged to conduct their own research and analysis before making investment decisions.
