Market Trend

Between March 02, 2009 to March 13, 2009, the MCI index jumped from 4466.4 to 4728.5, up by 262.1 points. Confidence in the strength of the TFT-LCD industry drove up the index, as the rush order effect continued to increase the supply chain activity. The market conditions were also buoyed by a string of positive data. From a sales revenue perspective, Taiwan’s 4 panel makers all posted double-digit monthly increases in February. Meanwhile, WitsView’s worldwide panel shipment survey also showed monthly double-digit increases for all 3 major applications. Finally, according to WitsView’s 1HMar09 panel price survey, monitor prices rose by another 1~3%, while the 26W was up by 2%.

The MCI index has once again risen close to the 4800 level, which has been a barrier to further increases since the index started to rebound more notably during the start of 2009. If the index can firmly rise past this barrier this time, it should open the door for further increases, raising the possibility of reaching the 5000 level.

Separately, KY Lee, chairman of AUO struck an upbeat tone regarding the market outlook, as he recently stated during an interview that “the most difficult times should reach bottom in the first quarter, and things should begin to gradually pick up in the future.”