The Taiwan Stock Exchange TAIEX hit a record high of 24,158 around midday Wednesday, rising for the fourth session on optimism over artificial intelligence and partial U.S. tariff exemptions for major chipmakers. Sentiment was further lifted by a Wall Street rally after softer U.S. inflation data bolstered expectations of a Fed rate cut in September, along with a 90-day extension of the U.S.-China trade truce. On the trade front, Taiwan’s exports surged 42.0% year-on-year in July, the fastest growth since May 2010, driven by strong shipments to the U.S., ASEAN, and China, while imports rose 20.8%, accelerating from 17.3% in June. The benchmark index is now up about 40% from its April low. Leading gainers included Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (1.3%), Hon Hai Precision Industry (0.5%), Mediatek (1.1%), and Delta Electronics (5.1%).