US Stocks Hit Record High, TSMC ADR Soars; Analysts: TAIEX Poised to Reclaim 46,000 Points

(Central News Agency reporter Chung Jung-feng, Taipei, June 16) The United States and Iran have reached an agreement to end the Middle East conflict, sending US stocks — including the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index — to record closing highs. TSMC's American Depositary Receipts (ADR) surged 4.12% to close at $441.40. The Taiwan stock index futures night session rose 649 points to 46,246, while TSMC futures gained 35 points to close at 2,410.

Institutional investors noted that the ceasefire agreement will reopen the Strait of Hormuz, leading to a sharp drop in international oil prices and easing inflationary pressures. Market sentiment has turned positive, prompting capital to flow back into global equity markets and fueling the rally in US stocks. Analysts expect the TAIEX to potentially reclaim the 46,000-point level today, with upcoming focus on the Federal Reserve's interest rate decisions and inflation data.

US President Trump announced that the Strait of Hormuz will be "fully reopened" from the 19th following the US-Iran peace agreement, restoring normal shipping passage that had been previously restricted.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 468.77 points (0.92%) to close at 51,671.03, while the S&P 500 gained 122.83 points (1.65%) to 7,554.29.

The Nasdaq Composite surged 795.10 points (3.07%) to 26,683.94, and the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index jumped 728.15 points (5.45%) to 14,099.62 — a new record high.

NVIDIA closed up 3.54% at $212.45, TSMC ADR rose 4.12% to $441.40, Micron soared 10.84% to $1,087.99 — a new all-time high — and AMD climbed 6.98% to $547.26, also closing at a record high.

The TAIEX opened higher on June 15 and surged throughout the session, closing up 1,227.95 points at 45,396.99. The three major institutional investors collectively bought NT$63.95 billion, with foreign and mainland Chinese investors buying NT$46.532 billion — marking two consecutive days of net buying. Investment trusts have increased their Taiwan stock holdings for 12 consecutive trading days.

Regarding Taiwan stock index futures positions, the three major institutions increased their net short positions by 2,054 contracts to 6,414 on June 15. Foreign investors increased their net short positions by 1,695 contracts to 66,734 contracts. (Edited by Lin Chia-hsien) 1150616