Fed Holds Rates Steady as Taiwan Stocks Open Lower Down Over 100 Points

林林靖雯 財經主筆2026-10-29 09:03

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The Fed held rates at 3.75% to 4% as expected, the four major U.S. indexes closed higher with the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index up over 1%, TAIFEX night session fell 100 points, Taiwan stocks opened lower down over 100 points with the OTC turning positive to support the market as heavyweights opened lower under pressure.

Fed Holds Rates Steady as Expected

The U.S. Federal Open Market Committee on Wednesday voted 10 to 2 to keep the federal funds rate target range at 3.75% to 4%. The Fed had previously raised rates by 25 basis points in September, its first rate hike since 2023, and the decision was broadly in line with market expectations. According to the CME FedWatch Tool, rate futures trading before the meeting reflected a nearly 93% probability of unchanged rates. Fed Chair Walsh said at the post-meeting press conference that even with this pause in rate hikes, the Fed remains focused on price stability and described employment conditions as quite positive. He stressed that officials have made clear they are ready to act as conditions warrant and have shown willingness to act.

Four Major U.S. Indexes Close Higher, SOX Up Over 1%

U.S. stocks strengthened again, with all four major U.S. indexes moving higher led by semiconductor shares. Among individual stocks, Oracle surged nearly 11% on its long-term revenue outlook, semiconductor shares strengthened in tandem, and investor focus shifted to large technology earnings. The Dow Jones rose 97.53 points or 0.19% to 52,475.10; the Nasdaq rose 72.04 points or 0.27% to 26,549.85; the S&P 500 rose 21.38 points or 0.28% to 7,743.98; the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index rose 201.50 points or 1.76% to 11,684.00.

Taiwan Stocks Open Lower Down Over 100 Points as Heavyweights Come Under Pressure

While U.S. stocks moved higher, TAIFEX night session pulled back, closing down 128 points or 0.27% at 47,121; TSMC futures fell 1 or 0.04% after hours to close at 2,432. Taipei stocks opened today on the 29th down 20.71 points at 47,014.87, with losses later expanding to over 100 points. Heavyweights were the focus of selling pressure at the open, with TSMC opening down 5 at 2,420; MediaTek opening down 30 at 4,205; and Delta Electronics opening down 25 at 1,525.

OTC Turns Positive as Small and Mid-Caps Support the Market

As the broader market opened lower, small and mid-cap stocks performed strongly, with the OTC index opening up 0.179 points at 396.4, showing a pattern of large heavyweights under pressure while small and mid-cap themes supported the market. Today's high-volume strong stocks at the open were AUO, Fulltech, Powerchip, Macronix, and Tongtai; high-volume weak stocks at the open were UMC, Taiwan Glass, TSMC, Nan Ya, and Flexium. Funds clearly rotated toward small and mid-cap stocks at the open, with specific resilient groups providing the main support.

FAQ

What was the Fed's rate decision?

The Federal Open Market Committee voted 10 to 2 to keep the federal funds rate at 3.75% to 4%, in line with market expectations, with FedWatch showing a nearly 93% probability of unchanged rates before the meeting.

How did U.S. stocks and TAIFEX night session perform?

All four major U.S. indexes moved higher, with the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index up 201.50 points or 1.76%; TAIFEX night session fell 128 points or 0.27% to 47,121, while TSMC futures fell 1 to 2,432 after hours.

Which Taiwan stocks stood out at the open?

The broader market opened down 20.71 points at 47,014.87 before expanding to over 100 points down, with high-volume strong stocks AUO, Fulltech, Powerchip, Macronix, and Tongtai, and weak stocks UMC, Taiwan Glass, TSMC, Nan Ya, and Flexium.