Taiwan stock market sets six records in 2025, eyes global No. 6

Taipei, Jan. 8 (CNA) Taiwan's stock market set six record highs in 2025 and is aiming to overtake Canada to become the world's sixth-largest equity market by capitalization, the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE) said Thursday.

TWSE data showed that six key indicators reached all-time highs last year: the year-end benchmark index, average daily turnover, total market capitalization of listed firms, combined revenue of listed companies, funds raised through initial public offerings (IPOs), and securities transaction tax revenue.

Speaking at a press briefing, TWSE Chairman Sherman Lin (林修銘) said global markets in 2025 were shaped by rising geopolitical risks, intensifying trade protectionism and heightened volatility. Despite these challenges, Taiwan's equity market demonstrated resilience and steady growth, he said.

According to the TWSE, the weighted index of the main board closed the final trading session of 2025 at 28,963.6 points, while average daily turnover reached a record NT$416 billion (US$13.17 billion).

A total of 45 companies applied to be listed in 2025, the highest number since 2008, while IPO fundraising climbed to a record NT$85 billion.

In the first 11 months of 2025, total revenue generated by all listed companies hit a historic high of NT$42.89 trillion. Securities transaction tax revenue over the same period totaled NT$261.6 billion, with the full-year figure still being finalized but expected to set another record.

By the end of 2025, total market capitalization of listed companies stood at NT$94.36 trillion, placing Taiwan eighth globally by market value.

The rally extended into early 2026, with the weighted index breaking the 30,000-point threshold this week. As of Tuesday, total market capitalization had risen to NT$99.6 trillion, allowing Taiwan to overtake France and rank seventh worldwide, Lin noted.

Lin said the exchange's next goal is to surpass Canada, currently ranked sixth by market value, adding that the gap between Taiwan's stock market and Canada's is about NT$15 trillion.

TWSE President Edith Lee (李愛玲) said the combined market capitalization of listed and over-the-counter companies has already reached NT$106.72 trillion, or about US$3.41 trillion, consolidating Taiwan's position as the world's seventh-largest equity market.

Lee added that if heavyweight stocks -- particularly Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. -- continue to gain, Taiwan could move up another notch in the global rankings.