Taiwan stocks finished up 0.79 percent on Friday, the best percentage gain in a week, led by property developers and shipping companies as Taiwan-China ties continued to gather steam. Most sectors gained ground, topped by the construction and property builder sub-index, which rose 2.37 percent.
The computer peripherals and equipment sub-index jumped 1.8 percent, boosted by a 4 percent gain in netbook PC pioneer Asustek Computer Inc. Asustek is set to post its quarterly results and guidance after market's close. Cathay Real Estate Development Co Ltd, the construction unit of Cathay Financial Holding Co Ltd, climbed 6 percent, while Taiwan's biggest carrier China Airlines Ltd rose 2.8 percent.
Chinese visitors to Taiwan could reach a record level next year, a local media reported, sparking hopes of growing demand for real estate and travel. The main TAIEX share index ended up 61.79 points at 7,891.58, finishing the week nearly flat. Foreign investors have bought a net T$14.6 billion of local shares so far this month.