The TAIEX, Taiwan’s benchmark stock index, rose 238 points, or 0.6%, to 42,028 in early Tuesday trading, extending gains for a second straight session and hitting a record high, supported by tech stocks. The broader index tracked a Wall Street rally on Monday, buoyed by strength in chip-related stocks. However, renewed escalation of tensions in the Middle East capped gains, while traders await the US April inflation data later today. Technology services surged 5.2% as optimism over AI infrastructure demand continued to lift sentiment. Among the top performers were Wiwynn Corporation (9.6%) and International Games (2.3%). Meanwhile, the electronic technology sector rose 0.88%, with TSMC, which accounts for more than 40% of the total market value, up 0.5%. Traders also monitored plans for a meeting between US President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping later this week.