Taiwan Stock Market Closes Down 210 Points, Falls Below 46,000; Weekly Gain Reaches 1,585 Points for Second Consecutive Week

On April 14, the Taiwan stock market initially rose 381 points, supported by gains in U.S. tech indices and positive momentum from Japanese and South Korean markets. Despite this, the index turned negative during trading as major electronics and passive component stocks weakened. Although TSMC (2330-TW), the market leader, stalled early, selling pressure intensified in the final session, leading the market to close down 210.47 points, or 0.46%, at 45,811.01—below the key 46,000 threshold. Trading volume slightly increased to NT$1.06 trillion. For the week, the market gained 1,585.1 points, marking its second consecutive weekly rise.

The OTC Index declined 1.27%, underperforming the main exchange.

Among major electronics stocks, both foundry giants fell. TSMC (2330-TW) weakened during the session and was hit by a late sell-off of 4,615 lots, closing at NT$2,395—a drop of NT$40, or 1.64%. United Microelectronics (2303-TW) also saw heavy selling, falling 2.81% after 4,880 lots were sold off. MediaTek (2454-TW) and Hon Hai (2317-TW) both opened high but closed lower, down 0.36% and 0.95% respectively. Delta Electronics (2308-TW) ended flat.

PCB stocks performed strongly, fueled by robust demand for AI and optical modules. Taiwan Broadband Communications (8039-TW) and Ming Wang Technology (2429-TW) hit their daily limits. Tripod Technology (2383-TW) and Nanya PCB (8046-TW) surged 7–8%, while Tact Spire (6274-TW) rose 4.69%, Zhending KY (4958-TW) gained 2.58%, and Kingboard Chemical Holdings (8358-TW) added 1.78%.

AI PC-related stocks also rallied on continued strong earnings. Notebook OEM giant Compal Electronics (2324-TW) surged to its daily limit with high volume, reaching a two-and-a-half-month high. ASUS (2357-TW) jumped over 6.3%, nearing the coveted NT$1,000 mark. Inventec (2324-TW) and Acer (2324-TW) also saw significant gains.

Additionally, drone-related stocks soared after the Legislative Yuan approved the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ six-year, NT$44.2 billion 'Integrated Development Program for Unmanned Vehicle Industries,' along with NT$19.2 billion in procurement budgets from various ministries—totaling NT$63.4 billion. Stocks including Asia Airfreight (2630-TW), Thunder Tiger (8033-TW), Yiqi (7402-TW), Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (2634-TW), and Chien Fu Precision (6829-TW) all hit their daily limits. Coretronic (6274-TW) rose 4%.

Analysts noted that despite today’s decline, the expanding trading volume suggests the pullback is a short-term profit-taking move following recent gains. While the OTC Index fell more sharply, it too appears to have digested selling pressure. Analysts believe the market could rebound next week to test new highs. Key upcoming catalysts include NVIDIA’s earnings report at month-end and its latest outlook on the AI industry.