Investors seemed to put concerns over panel oversupply behind, and now expect robust demand for LCD TVs to continue in the first quarter.
Companies such as LCD and mobile phone stocks, that are expected to report solid revenue growth given an upbeat first-quarter outlook, were especially favored.
The U.S. market's strength helped lift the main board early in the session, but selling pressure grew as the benchmark index approached the 6,600 level.
Expectations for a strong first quarter shored up buying in technology shares. We also saw fund managers buy (chip) testing-packaging stocks before they close their books for the year.
In addition to the strong U.S. performance last night, there is already talk in the market that February revenue figures (to be announced before March 10) may turn out to be better than expected.
The sharp gains on Wall Street failed to restore investors' confidence.
On top of declines in the US overnight, losses on UMC further weighed on the benchmark index.
Mobile phone stocks primarily contributed to the main board's rise given hopes continued strong demand will help Taiwanese handset makers report solid revenue growth in the next few months.
Wall Street's losses overnight weighed on market sentiment.
