umc 2303 closed @83.50 + 2.50 vol 184,609,777 3rd most active, new hi @85
++++++++++++++++
Taiwan's TWSE index rose 115.60 to 8273.33, up for a third
day. Chipmakers rose as better-than-expected global demand is
boosting prices, some analysts said. Many companies which rely on
the U.S. as their largest market are benefiting because the
second-half of the year is typically the peak season.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., the world's largest
customized chipmaker, jumped 2.6 percent to NT$138.50. It said
last week it may lift prices of selective products as demand
outgrows expectations. United Microelectronics Corp., TSMC's
closest rival, surged 3.1 percent to NT$83.50. UMC has raised
some product prices by 1 percent to 15 percent in this quarter
and may increase prices further, analysts said.
''The prospects for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.
and rival United Microelectronics Corp. are extremely bright. All
of their capacity is full and their prices of selective products
are up about 20 percent so far this year,'' said Michael Ding,
manager of International Investment Trust Co.'s $313 million ROC
Taiwan Fund, which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
''We had expected the companies to lift prices by 10 percent
to 15 percent in the fourth quarter. Now, it looks like it's
going to be better than we anticipated.''
TSMC and UMC are Ding's top holdings, each accounting for
nearly a tenth of his portfolio, he said. Ding has no plans to
sell them anytime soon. |
