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BOJ Minutes Reveal Growing Debate Over Interest Rate Hikes and Inflation Risks 
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Oil Prices Ease in Asia as Geopolitical Risks Clash With Weak Demand Outlook 
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China Keeps Benchmark Lending Rates Steady as Economic Outlook Remains Cautious 
U.S. Stock Index Futures Steady After S&P 500 Hits Record on Strong Economic Data 
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IMF Reaches Staff-Level Agreement With Egypt, Opening Path to $3.8 Billion in Funding 
Taiwan stocks closed higher on Thursday, supported by broad-based gains across key sectors including semiconductors, oil, gas and electricity, as well as construction. The Taiwan Stock Exchange Weighted Index finished the session up 0.57%, reflecting positive investor sentiment despite mixed signals from global markets.
The semiconductor sector played a crucial role in lifting the overall market, continuing to benefit from strong long-term demand expectations tied to artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, and advanced electronics. Energy-related shares and construction stocks also contributed to the upside, helping offset declines seen in select technology and development names.
Among the best-performing stocks on the Taiwan Weighted Index was Universal Microelectronics Co Ltd (TW:2413), which surged 9.96% to close at 37.00, marking a new 52-week high. Ene Technology Inc (TW:6243) also posted strong gains, rising 9.94% to end the session at 38.70. Evermore Chemical Industry Co Ltd (TW:1735) rounded out the top performers, advancing 9.92% to close at 19.40, reflecting strong buying interest in specialty materials and industrial stocks.
On the downside, CviLux Corp (TW:8103) was the weakest performer, falling 5.65% to 85.20. Powertech Technology Inc (TW:6239) declined 4.65% to 164.00, while Choice Development Inc (TW:9929) slipped 4.55% to finish at 10.50. Despite these losses, market breadth data was neutral, with falling stocks neither clearly outnumbering nor trailing advancing shares on the exchange.
In commodities trading, crude oil prices edged slightly lower, with February delivery down 0.09% to $58.35 per barrel. Brent oil also slipped 0.14% to $62.29. Gold futures for February were unchanged at $4,505.40 per troy ounce, suggesting cautious positioning among investors.
In the currency market, the US dollar remained flat against the Taiwan dollar at 31.44, while the Taiwan dollar also held steady against the Chinese yuan at 0.22. Meanwhile, the US Dollar Index Futures edged up 0.04% to 97.65, indicating mild strength in the greenback.
Overall, the Taiwan stock market demonstrated resilience, with sector-driven gains helping sustain positive momentum amid stable currency movements and subdued commodity price fluctuations.
