TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s benchmark stock index recorded a volatile session on Thursday, opening lower after overnight weakness in US equities before narrowing losses later as bargain buying emerged.
The Taiwan Capitalization Weighted Stock Index (TAIEX) fell by as much as 1,000 points in early trading and briefly moved below the 46,000-point level. It later recovered part of the decline, closing down 274.83 points, or 0.58%, at 46,744.16, according to Taiwan Index Plus.
Turnover totaled NT$1.16 trillion (US$36.4 billion). Total market capitalization of listed companies stood at NT$152.52 trillion, according to the Taiwan Stock Exchange.
Large index-weighted stocks, which have the greatest influence on TAIEX movements, saw losses ease during the session. TSMC faced early pressure after weakness in its US-listed shares before stabilizing and closing down 1.6% at NT$2,465, according to CTEE.
MediaTek recovered during the session and closed up 0.23% at NT$4,345. ASE rose 3.41% to NT$727, according to Anue.
Foxconn, which traded ex-dividend, closed down 0.83% at NT$239. Delta Electronics declined 1.01% to NT$1,970.
Power semiconductor stocks attracted strong buying interest following price increases in the sector. Panjit International, Taiwan Semiconductor, Sinopower Semiconductor, and Niko Semiconductor hit daily limit-ups.
The segment refers to components used for electrical power control and regulation in electronic systems. It has drawn renewed attention as demand for AI servers increases, with suppliers also raising prices, according to BusinessWeekly.
The robotics-related sector was among the strongest performers of the session after China-based humanoid robotics leader UbTech launched a realistic humanoid robot model. The product emphasizes human-like appearance, facial expression, and interaction capabilities, according to Setn.
Several robotics-related stocks hit limit-up, including Chieftek Precision, Solomon Technology, Taiwan Benefit, Kao Fong Machinery, TBI Motion Technology, Ying Han Technology, Hiwin Mikrosystem, Techman Robot, and EverFocus Electronics.
The silicon wafer sector remained active on tightening supply conditions and industry recovery. GlobalWafers rose 9.05%, moving above the NT$1,200 foreign broker target price, according to FTNN.
Wafer Works posted a third consecutive limit-up session, closing at NT$148.5. Episil Precision also reached its daily limit-up level, while Formosa Sumco Technology continued to trade at record levels, closing at NT$407.
Analysts said the session did not reflect a broad-based sell-off across the market. Mid- and small-cap shares showed relative resilience, with the over-the-counter index briefly moving into positive territory intraday, suggesting fund rotation, according to CTEE.
They added that in the near term, the market will focus on whether TSMC can stabilize. Attention will also turn to whether rotation into thematic mid- and small-cap stocks continues.
This information is not intended as personalized financial advice. Investors are encouraged to conduct their own research and analysis before making investment decisions.
