TAIWAN-US-STOCKS-OPEN-TARIFFS
The Taiwan Weighted Stock Index plunged 1,612.60 points on November 3, a drop of 3.59%, marking the seventh largest single-day point decline in its history. Foreign investors also significantly sold off their holdings. (Image source: Central News Agency)

Taiwan stocks came under heavy selling pressure Tuesday (Nov. 3), with the benchmark Taiex falling 1,612.60 points, or 3.59%, to close at 43,307.54. The index fell below the 44,000-point mark and recorded the seventh-largest single-day point loss in its history. Trading value reached NT$928.058 billion, while more than 1,000 listed stocks closed lower.

According to a Central News Agency report, stocks opened lower and continued to slide, with the Taiex hitting an intraday low of 43,191.58. Large-cap stocks broadly came under pressure. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. fell NT$35 to close at NT$2,295, while MediaTek dropped NT$295, or 7.43%, and Delta Electronics fell NT$85, or 6.27%. The electronics index declined 3.69%, and the financial index fell 2.54%.

Heavy selling by foreign investors was another market focus. CNA reported that foreign investors and mainland Chinese investors sold a net NT$107.306 billion in shares, the eighth-largest single-day net sell-off on record. The three major institutional investor groups together recorded net selling of NT$146.456 billion. Foreign investors have been net sellers for four consecutive trading sessions, keeping capital flows in focus. CNA: Foreign investors sell NT$107.3 billion

The currency market was also hit. The Taiwan dollar weakened to NT$32.86 against the US dollar during the session before closing at NT$32.76, down 16.8 cents for the day. The closing rate was the weakest in more than 18 months. CNA said foreign fund outflows and the decline in Taiwan stocks added to downward pressure on the Taiwan dollar. CNA: Taiwan dollar falls sharply

Regarding the market volatility, the Financial Supervisory Commission said international stock markets had recently been affected by the financial performance of major technology companies, concerns over corporate valuations and geopolitical uncertainty. Taiwan's market is highly correlated with international stock markets, resulting in greater volatility, it said. The FSC said it would continue to monitor market conditions and had asked the Taiwan Stock Exchange and Taipei Exchange to closely watch international financial developments. CNA: FSC responds to Taiwan stock market decline

The sharp correction in Taiwan stocks reflected volatility in global technology shares, foreign capital flows and investor caution over the outlook for investment in the AI industry. Developments in international markets, foreign investor activity and corporate earnings will be key indicators in assessing whether Taiwan stocks can stabilize.