Taiwan's stock market jumped ahead of Nvidia's earnings, a good sign for AI investors and chip companies.

• The Taiex closed up about 1.5%, driven by hopes Nvidia would post strong results and a good outlook.
• Buying spread widely across AI-linked chip names instead of piling into TSMC alone, and trading volume rose.
• Chip design and AI component makers led the way, with several hitting the 10% daily limit.
• Even old-line plastics and chemical companies rallied on their ties to AI materials.
• Shipping stocks fell as investors cashed in gains, and financial stocks slipped.

Outlook: Nvidia's actual numbers will decide whether this AI-driven rally holds or unwinds quickly.