Taiwan's main stock index opened up Thursday, a mildly positive start for investors in one of Asia's key tech-heavy markets.

• The Taiwan Stock Exchange's benchmark index opened more than 200 points higher, near the 45,000 mark.
• Early turnover was light, so the gain rests on thin trading rather than a broad rush of buyers.
• Taiwan's market moves closely with global demand for chips and electronics, which dominate the island's listed companies.

Outlook: The open sets a positive tone, but the day's direction will depend on whether volume picks up and how chip stocks trade.