Europe EV Demand Surges as Fuel Prices Rise Amid Iran Conflict 
Japan Inflation Stays Below BOJ Target Despite Rate Hike and Rising Energy Cost Risks 
Australia Eases Capital Gains Tax Reforms to Support Small Businesses and Startups 
Dollar Hits One-Month High as Hawkish Fed Outlook Boosts Greenback 
Yen Near 40-Year Lows Despite BOJ Rate Hike, Markets Brace for Possible Intervention 
German Industry Employment Falls to Lowest Level in a Decade 
Asian Currencies Steady as Dollar Holds Firm Ahead of Fed Decision and US-Iran Deal Details 
Fed Chair Kevin Warsh Signals Policy Overhaul as Hawkish Rate Outlook Rattles Markets 
US Stock Futures Slip After Wall Street Rally Fueled by US-Iran Deal and Chipmaker Surge 
Oil Prices Slide as U.S.-Iran Deal and Hormuz Reopening Ease Supply Concerns 
Asian Stocks Rally as Japan and South Korea Reach Record Highs on US-Iran Peace Deal 
Trump and Iran Sign Framework Peace Deal in France Amid Ongoing Middle East Tensions 
Trump Questions USMCA Renewal as Trade Talks Continue 
Russia Stocks End Flat as MOEX Index Hits New 52-Week Low; Gold Falls and Oil Mixed 
Canada, British Columbia Launch $5 Billion Infrastructure Partnership to Boost Housing, Transit, and Healthcare 
BOJ Signals More Rate Hikes as Inflation Risks Rise Amid Energy Price Pressures 
Canada Imposes 10% Tariff on Canned Vegetable Imports to Protect Domestic Industry 
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.
