<div id="readability-page-1">Taiwan’s Taiex kicked off the first trading day of 2026 by closing up 1.3%, continuing a historic rally that has seen the index rise 25% over the past year. The gains remain heavily concentrated in the semiconductor sector, with TSMC alone accounting for over 60% of the market's growth. While traditional industries like textiles and raw materials face a downturn, Economy minister Kung Ming-hsin remains optimistic, suggesting that 2026 GDP growth could exceed current forecasts.</div>

<p>Taiwan’s Taiex index opened 2026 with a 1.3% increase, marking a 25% rise over the past year, driven largely by the semiconductor sector, particularly TSMC, which contributed over 60% to the growth. Despite challenges in traditional industries like textiles and raw materials, Economy Minister Kung Ming-hsin expressed optimism for GDP growth in 2026, potentially surpassing current forecasts.</p>

- Taiwan’s Taiex started 2026 by closing up 1.3%, marking a 25% rise over the past year.  
- The semiconductor sector leads these gains, with TSMC contributing over 60% to the market's growth.  
- Despite struggles in traditional industries, Economy minister Kung Ming-hsin expresses optimism for GDP growth in 2026, possibly surpassing current forecasts.

Taiex hits historic high on first day of trading in 2026