Taiwan's stock market shook off an early drop and closed higher, a mildly positive sign for investors — but trading was the thinnest in a month, showing buyers are hesitant.

• The index opened lower on rising US bond yields, higher oil prices, and tension in the Middle East, then reversed sharply into the green.
• TSMC and MediaTek turned positive, and buying in shipping and plastics stocks pulled the whole market back up.
• Trading volume shrank to a one-month low, and the market looks stuck in a wide range for now while it waits for Nvidia's earnings call next week.
• Foreign investors were net buyers, but they also added to their bets against the index in futures — a cautious signal.
• Big names like Hon Hai and Delta lagged, while money chased stocks with solid orders and clear profit growth.

Outlook: Expect more back-and-forth in a broad range until Nvidia's results give tech stocks a new direction, with dips near the lower end seen as a buying chance for strong performers.