TAIWANESE STOCKS HIT RECORD HIGH ON AI RALLY

Taiwan's stock market climbed to record levels Tuesday as traders rotated back into artificial intelligence plays, reversing recent caution tied to regional geopolitical risks. The momentum was bolstered by strength in semiconductor stocks, particularly Dutch chipmaker BE Semiconductor Industries, which hit new highs after Bank of America raised its price target above consensus. BofA analysts cited underestimated demand for the company's products as justification for the upgrade. The shift signals investor appetite for AI-exposed equities remains robust despite ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Taiwanese firms, heavily weighted toward semiconductor manufacturing and AI infrastructure, stand to benefit from sustained demand in the sector. The market's ability to push through geopolitical headwinds underscores confidence in the AI narrative, with investors prioritizing long-term technology trends over short-term risk factors.