Shares in Taiwan closed the first trading day of 2016 in negative territory, pulled down by a fall on Wall Street at the end of last week and cautious sentiment ahead of presidential and legislative elections on Jan. 16. The market was also caught in a downward spiral throughout Asia triggered by a heavy sell-off in China that forced the suspension of trading in Shanghai.
Taiwan shares closed down 223.8 points, or 2.68 percent, at 8,114.26 on Monday.