Taiwanese Shares Rise Amid AI Optimism and Fed Caution

The Taiex index rose 337.41 points, or 0.74 percent, to close at 45,848.90 on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. Gains were primarily driven by the tech sector, where optimism regarding artificial intelligence demand benefited electronic component makers and memory chip suppliers. Financial stocks also increased as investors anticipated that a potential U.S. interest rate hike could boost overseas interest income.

Despite the upward movement, turnover remained low at NT$643.77 billion. Foreign institutional investors sold a net NT$17.980 billion worth of shares on the main board, signaling a cautious approach. This hesitation stems from pending policy decisions and projections from Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh.

Market participants are now shifting their focus to the Central Bank of the Republic of China, which is scheduled to announce a rate decision on Thursday afternoon. This local monetary policy update is expected to further influence the index's trajectory.