Taiwan's main index climbed back above 45,000 during the day but couldn't hold it, a neutral-to-cautious sign that buyers are hesitant near a key trend line.

• The index rose over 400 points early, then faded and closed up only slightly, below 45,000.
• Trading volume shrank sharply, showing few investors want to chase prices higher.
• Memory stocks led the gains after SK Hynix announced a record share buyback, lifting Nanya, Winbond and Macronix.
• Chip design, passive component and shipping names sold off after their recent quick run-up.
• Gold jumped past $4,500 an ounce and silver pushed higher after the US Treasury expanded its bond buyback program.

Outlook: If the index can quickly reclaim its quarterly average line, another push toward 45,000 is likely in the next few sessions.