Category：Finance

June inflation hits 17-month high as CPI rises 2.6% from 2026

June’s inflation has hit a 17-month high. Prices rose 2.6% from a year ago, staying above the government’s warning threshold for a second straight month. At the same time, the New Taiwan dollar has weakened past 32 against the US dollar, while Taiwan’s AI-fueled stock rally is raising concerns of a market bubble. But Central Bank Governor Yang Chin-long says inflation expectations remain stable, that Taiwan’s economy is strong, and the AI boom has not yet reached bubble territory.

June’s CPI saw an increase of 2.6% from the year before, marking the second month in a row above the government’s warning threshold of 2%, and a 17-month high.

Yang Chin-long
Central Bank Governor
As of June this year, nearly 20 major institutions forecast an average inflation rate of 1.9% for the year, with the figure expected to drop to 1.7% next year. Overall, inflation is expected to remain stable.

A stronger US dollar, and net selling by foreign investors in the Taiwan stock market has depreciated the New Taiwan dollar, which dropped past NT$32 to the greenback. The Central Bank says it will continue with its “willow theory” approach, and allow the currency to sway.

Yang Chin-long
Central Bank Governor
Though the US dollar is indeed strong, and interest rates are on the higher end, Taiwan’s economy is performing well. Exports are strong, growth is robust and inflation is under control. So these solid fundamentals are helping offset the impact of a strong US dollar.

The stock market has been bustling with activity, and investors have been taking out loans to cash in on the AI surge. But concerns are rising about a bubble.

Yang Chin-long
Central Bank Governor
The government’s tax revenue is strong, and the stock market has been very active. Though we are keeping an eye on the issue, I think the AI wave is fueled by genuine momentum. We need to watch closely whether excessive leverage is building up through credit expansion. That’s what we should be concerned about.

While acknowledging concerns over an overheated stock market and increasing investment leverage, Yang cautioned investors about potential risks. However, he said he does not believe the AI boom has entered bubble territory.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#ai #aibubble #stockmarket #shares #taiwanshares #taiex

2026-07-09

Many renters face hardships as housing policies are not always effective

In Taiwan, there’s a large underground rental market. Many landlords do not officially report their rental income to the tax office to avoid paying higher taxes. With housing prices and rents both soaring, the government has stepped in to offer rental subsidies to help people who are struggling. But some landlords are resistant to putting their rental contracts on the books, even going as far as refusing to rent to people who want to apply for these subsidies. There’s also a shortage of social housing. The Ministry of the Interior is now turning to government-subsidized rental subleasing and management services, revitalizing vacant private housing to serve as an alternative supply. Let’s see how renters are reacting.

Hsiao En’s most comforting moment is when she returns home and is welcomed by her dog and two cats. However, her landlord’s participation in an urban renewal project has forced her to move again from her two-bedroom, one-living-room apartment, which is over 80-square meters. She originally hoped for social housing, but this repeatedly fell through. With rents increasing, they can eat up almost half her month’s salary.

Hsiao En
Renter
Everyone is on a waiting list, maybe dozens or even hundreds, so I’ll never get a turn. From what I can sense, the average rent in New Taipei City has probably gone up by over NT$5,000. For apartments in better condition, not like those creepy dumps, it’s probably at least NT$25,000 or more.

With housing prices and rents rising year after year, housing pressure has intensified. After the government expanded rent subsidies, some landlords are now restricting tenants from applying for them as they are concerned their tax burdens will increase. In addition, social housing has long been in short supply. The Ministry of the Interior has now turned to government-subsidized rental subleasing and management services, revitalizing vacant private housing to serve as an alternative supply.

Ou Cheng-hsing
National Land Management Agency
There is a massive resource in the private sector: a large number of vacant homes. We hope these landlords will make these properties available, essentially creating a private-sector version of social housing.

Ms Chen
They said I was too old and landlords wouldn’t rent to me. They said "What will I do if you die in the apartment?” They refused me outright. Policies sound good, but they can’t achieve anything.

Although social housing subleasing and management regulations prioritize taking care of vulnerable groups, elderly people who live alone often face rejections from landlords due to concerns about health and income.

Wang Tse-jen
New Taipei City rental association
Let’s look at the actual data: vulnerable tenants are not the same as bad tenants; they still pay their rent as normal. Looking at current subsidized housing operators, the proportion of vulnerable tenants within our association has already reached as high as 45%.

Ou Cheng-hsing
National Land Management Agency
For the operators that provide leasing and management services, we will use our evaluation mechanism.

While subletting and managing rental housing may not be able to replace government-built social housing, it is considered an important supplementary measure. However, how to ensure that vulnerable people can rent and live stably remains a policy challenge.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#Taiwanhousing #socialhousing #rentals #rentersrights #housing

2026-07-08

Banks open doors, insurers offer heat protection to combat extreme temperatures

As summers get hotter by the year, more businesses are opening their doors to offer relief from the heat. Last year, convenience stores began telling people they could come in to cool off, and this year First Bank has set up indoor cooling stations with air conditioning, drinking water, seating, and restrooms, and you don’t even have to be a customer to gain access. Meanwhile, a life insurance company is offering Taiwan’s first policy that covers heat-related injuries.

Chou Jung-hsuan
FTV reporter
Summer is incredibly hot this year, making walking down the street like torture. In addition to being able to cool off in convenience stores’ AC, First Bank also set up indoor cooling stations.

In response to the extreme heat, the Ministry of Environment launched a “cool map” listing 9,192 cooling spots as of June, including convenience stores, public facilities, shaded areas, and now banks.

Member of public
Likes the idea
I think it’s a good idea in general, but due to their location, people still might not think to go.

Member of public
Loves the idea
I think it’s great! Summer is so hot most of the time, so if there’s a place for people to cool off, I think it’s a good thing.

Voice of Hung Hsiu-ching
Bank employee
We already have safety and security measures in place for our banks’ main halls. If banks determine they can provide people with a place to cool off while maintaining operational safety and order, they will make that assessment themselves.

As extreme heat becomes increasingly common, a life insurance company introduced an insurance policy for heat-related injuries, offering payouts to vulnerable groups who suffer heat-related harm.

Wang Hsin-li
Insurance broker
In the past, products to address high temperatures included accident insurance, life insurance, and accidental medical coverage, but their scope of protection was somewhat limited. Nan Shan Life Insurance’s willingness to design a product like this can provide significant help to vulnerable groups.

Businesses are introducing their own strategies in response to the dangers posed by climate change, helping people adapt to the warming environment.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#heat #hot #extremeheat #climatechange #summer #heatstroke #heatwave #bank #cool #coolmap #insurance #heatinsurance

2026-07-08

Hsinchu borough has highest average household income in Taiwan

The Ministry of Finance has published the latest statistics on income taxes for the year 2024. According to the document, the richest neighborhood in Taiwan is once again in Hsinchu’s East District. Households in Guanxin Borough had an average income of just under NT$4.6 million in 2024.

The median -- at a little over NT$3.43 million -- is just as impressive. It means that wealth is quite evenly distributed in the neighborhood. Among the top five boroughs, three are in Hsinchu, with most taxpayers affiliated with the tech industry. Meanwhile, the second richest is Yongfu Borough in Taipei’s Shilin District, located on Yangmingshan. Many business tycoons live here, including Taishin Financial Holdings Chair Thomas Wu, Yulon Motor Company CEO Yen Chen Li-lien and Far Eastern Group Chair Douglas Hsu. Meanwhile, last year’s richest neighborhood, Zhonghua Borough in Taipei’s Songshan District, has dropped to third place at just under 3 and a half million NT.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#rich #affluent #richestneighborhoods #CEO #oldmoney

2026-07-08

Taipei luxury apartments shrink as credit and space tightens

Luxury homes in Taipei are getting smaller. The days of buying properties over 100 ping are fading, as high-end buyers shift toward more compact units. In one major development in Zhongzheng District, 37 sales over the past three years averaged nearly NT$100 million each, but the actual living space was under 60 ping. Experts say tighter credit rules and a 30% mortgage cap are pushing wealthy buyers to reconsider and choose smaller homes.

This luxury apartment building in the heart of Taipei’s Zhongzheng District has apartments ranging from 57 to 70 ping. It has sold 37 units over the past three years, making it a favorite among wealthy buyers.

Tang Shih-ching
FTV reporter
Close to the Bo’ai Special Zone and Ministry of Economic Affairs, apartments in this safe and quiet area cost about NT$100 million. But after accounting for shared facilities and parking, the actual living space is smaller than 60 ping.

While luxury homes were traditionally large, smaller units are becoming the norm in Taipei’s high-end housing market. The top three best-selling luxury developments built within the past 10 years all have an average interior space of less than 75 ping.

The second best-selling luxury residence over 10 years old sold seven units over the past three years, with an average interior space of 75.6 ping. The shift in the market is largely driven by the Central Bank’s seventh round of selective credit controls.

Kuo Han
Real-estate research director
Because the mortgage is capped at just 30%, buyers purchasing luxury homes must provide 70% in cash. For a NT$100 million property, that means putting down NT$70 million up front, so smaller units have become a more attractive option. In addition, land in Taipei is limited. Traditional luxury apartments were mainly in Xinyi District, but now luxury developments are emerging in areas that were previously less common, such as the Dunnan area and Zhongzheng District.

Today’s wealthy buyers are less focused on purchasing large homes. Even with tighter government controls, location and scarcity remain the key factors for keeping luxury property values stable.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#apartment #Taipei #property #realestate #luxury #luxuryhome #luxuryapartment #mortgage #price

2026-06-26

Five cutting-edge inventions win ITRI Elite Awards

The Industrial Technology Research Institute, or ITRI, unveiled the winners of its prestigious Elite Awards on Thursday, with three top awards offered to outstanding research projects and two for inventions that contributed to industrialization. The projects covered fields such as AI, next generation communications and net-zero sustainability. One AI technology that won an award has been implemented in over 2,000 companies, helping to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs. Let’s find out more.

Robotic arms swing back and forth with precision, and various data appears in real time on a screen. The seemingly busy production line is actually being analyzed by AI. These innovative technologies that are transforming the face of industry all come from ITRI.

Lee Tzong-ming
ITRI Senior Vice President
At ITRI, our primary focus is on strategizing for the future, driving innovation in domestic industries and serving as a trusted industrial partner. We also hope that this Elite Award ceremony and the recognition it brings will provide great encouragement to our colleagues.

The ITRI Elite Awards, often referred to as the "ITRI Oscars," have announced their winners. This year’s five gold award-winning technologies focus on AI, next-generation communications, and net-zero sustainability. Among them, the AI-enabled large-scale demonstration project, which won the Industrialization Contribution Gold Award, has been implemented in more than 2,000 companies. Through AI-based segmentation and labeling technology, it has helped the food and beverage industry increase the average order value and lowered the barriers to AI adoption for SMEs.

Lee Tzong-ming
ITRI Senior Vice President
Our Elite Awards this year cover areas that are closely related to our future strategies. We are also cooperating with government policies, leveraging the capabilities of ITRI to serve and drive different industries, helping them save on labor costs, increase efficiency and promote innovation.

Also winning a gold award was ultra-high frequency technology, which targets the needs of 6G and satellite communications. It not only improves chip efficiency but also pioneers the integration of chips, antennas, and heat dissipation modules. In the field of net-zero sustainability, the domestically produced zero-rare-earth EC fan motor saves 40% more electricity than traditional motors, further upgrading energy conservation for the industry.

Hsu Jen-yuan
ITRI Information and Communications Labs
Taiwan has never had its own chips or solutions for key components of satellite communications. Our technology aims to fill this gap in key satellite communication components and solutions.

From AI implementation on factory production lines to proprietary satellite communication technology and net-zero energy-saving solutions, ITRI responds to industry needs through innovative R&D and continues to lay the groundwork for Taiwan’s next wave of technological competitiveness.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#ITRI #technology #innovation #tech #AI

2026-06-26

Nvidia CEO: The era of AI that thinks and acts on its own has arrived

US tech giant Nvidia held its shareholders meeting, where CEO Jensen Huang declared that the era of agentic AI has arrived. Unlike traditional AI software that simply responds to prompts like a basic chatbot, agentic AI is designed to have agency—the ability to make decisions and adapt to changing circumstances without constant human intervention. Huang also warned that smuggling Nvidia chips to China will lead to a dead end, particularly as Nvidia cannot provide support or maintenance for the systems. Let’s find out more.

Voice of Jensen Huang
Nvidia CEO
This has been an extraordinary year for Nvidia and for computing.

Nvidia held its shareholders’ meeting and announced that its revenue for fiscal year 2026 was US$216 billion, a 65% increase, and its operating profit was US$130 billion, a 60% increase.

Voice of Jensen Huang
Nvidia CEO
We believe this will become the largest infrastructure buildout in human history. Agentic AI is accelerating infrastructure investment, as For the first time, AI is doing real work and creating real economic value. Useful AI has arrived and it is profitable.

Jensen Huang emphasized that AI investments have already generated profits. Vera Rubin is in full-scale production, and the Vera CPU, designed for agentic AI, has opened up new markets for the company.

Voice of Jensen Huang
Nvidia CEO
We believe Vera will be one of the most significant product launches in our company’s history, and the orders are already coming in.

Huang was optimistic about the demand and prospects for AI infrastructure. And, of course, he also wants to reward his shareholders.

Voice of Jensen Huang
Nvidia CEO
25x increase in our quarterly dividend and authorized an additional 80 billion dollars in share repurchases. Supported by our conviction in sustainable market growth and free cash flow generation, we plan to return 50% or more of our free cash flow [to shareholders].

A shareholder asked if the company was concerned about products being diverted through unauthorized channels and ending up in the hands of restricted entities.

Voice of Jensen Huang
Nvidia CEO
Advanced AI data centers are massive integrated systems that require trusted hardware, software, networking and continuing support. Trying to cobble together data centers with some smuggled products is a dead end.

Huang warned that attempting to build a data center solely using smuggled components is a non-starter, as Nvidia will not provide the necessary support or maintenance for such systems.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#Nvidia #Jensenhuang #AIagents #exportcontrols #investment

2026-06-25

Anti-Fraud ATMs refuse cash to anyone with masks or other facial coverings

There’s been a major breakthrough in technology that prevents ATM fraud. In the future, if scammers try to conceal their identity by wearing a mask and a helmet at ATMs, they may not be able to withdraw even a single bill. The Criminal Investigation Bureau has partnered with banks to integrate technology into ATMs that will have a speaker that tells the user to show their face. With this technology, if someone does not heed the order and deliberately covers their face in front of the ATM, the transaction will be immediately terminated.

Hung Chiao-hsuan
FTV reporter
Standing right here outside a bank that has adopted this new feature, if I wear a mask like this, I’m blocked right at the door and can’t even get inside.

Chang Yu-ping
Bank SinoPac
Most importantly, when reviewing the footage, we can clearly see the money mule’s face. This will assist the police in their subsequent investigations as we continue to roll out this technology across more high-risk locations.

Chiu Shao-chou
Commissioner, Criminal Investigation Bureau
The fraud ring wants to get the victim’s money as quickly as possible, and the fastest way to get the money is to withdraw it from an ATM. In front of the ATM, they often wear helmets, masks, sunglasses, etc., to cover their faces when withdrawing cash. So, we should push ATMs to introduce the warning functions for face coverings.

Financial institutions’ adoption of anti-fraud technology prevents ATMs from dispensing cash if the user has concealed their face. This feature will be rolled out to more banks in the future to prevent ATMs from becoming a tool for fraud rings.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#scammers #ATMfraud #ATMtechnology #scamprevention #scamawareness

2026-06-24

Taiwan Expo in Europe opens in Warsaw, Poland

The biannual Taiwan Expo in Europe is held in the Polish capital Warsaw for the first time ever. Co-organized by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and TAITRA, the 3-day event features 106 exhibitors, many in the drone industry. But Taiwanese businesses aren’t just showing their goods: the Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association announced that a new technology park will be built in southwest Poland.

Against drum rolls, diabolo performers open the Taiwan Expo in Europe. Orchids dyed in the Ukrainian flag’s blue and yellow adorn the venue. There’s more than just AI-powered systems and drones on display, as guests are served freshly brewed baozhong tea for a taste of Taiwan. Held biannually, the Taiwan Expo in Europe is in Warsaw, Poland for the first time, with participation by 106 Taiwanese businesses.

Kung Ming-hsin
Minister of Economic Affairs
In 2025, which is last year, the Ministry of Economic Affairs signed a memorandum of understanding with the Polish Investment and Trade Agency in support of a special economic zone and industrial park. On this basis, we’ve began talks on building an industrial park with Poland and the Taiwan Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers’ Association, or TEEMA.

The Economic Affairs Minister Kung Ming-hsin gave remarks via a prerecorded video, while Foreign Minister Lin Chia-Lung attended in person, with a delegation of representatives in the drone industry. Loitering munition and counter-UAS are also exhibited. A big announcement was made at the main stage: TEEMA’s technology park will be built in southwestern Poland, connecting with the city of Jaworzno to form a major hub.

Cynthia Kiang
Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs
Three regions in Poland were considered: Katowice, Łódź and Wrocław. After careful consideration, they decided to build the technology park in Wrocław.

James Huang
TAITRA
Over the three-day event, we’ve scheduled a total of 950 matchmaking meetings for the 100+ businesses from home.

In 2025, bilateral trade volume between Taiwan and Poland exceeded US$2.54 billion, for an annual growth of over 20%. A golden age of industrial cooperation between the two countries is coming.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#taiwan #poland #trade #investment #EU

2026-06-23

Taiwanese stocks setting records and investors are betting big

Contrary to expectations, the Taiex has broken “the curse of Dragon Boat Festival.” Investors are reaping big gains this Monday as the Taiex closed up 1,276 for 47,741 points, making it the eighth largest rise in Taiex history. And TSMC also enjoyed record-setting numbers, as it reached a new high of NT$2,510 a share.

Chen Li-wei
President Capital Management Analyst
There’s a common belief that the winds of the stock market change during Dragon Boat Festival, and to us it looks like the market is doing even better than before. It’s possible that this week another new high of 48,000 will be reached, perhaps even 49,000. This year the Taiex may, sooner or later, surpass 50,000. As for this week, the two most important things to consider are Micron’s financial report and Nvidia’s shareholder meeting, especially since Jensen Huang has continued to be optimistic about AI. So, we also can continue paying attention to these trending topics.

Mr. Chiang
Long-term shareholder
17 years ago my wife bought 32,000 shares of TSMC at NT$66.6 a share. She put her entire retirement pension into TSMC, and she’s ended up earning over NT$60 million as a result.

Member of public
Stock market enthusiast
Everybody’s saying “go all in” with TSMC. Everyone’s goal is to not need to go to work anymore.

With dreams of an early retirement, all of Taiwan seems to be entranced by the local stock market, as people are checking the index on their phones in restaurants and even when they’re strolling down the street. In May of this year, 132,000 new Taiex accounts were opened, which makes up just a small chunk of Taiwan’s 14.33 million retail investors. With the AI industry forming a strong backbone for the market, capital is pouring in, meaning the Taiex climbing to 50,000 seems to be just a matter of time.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#TSMC #investing #DragonBoatFestival #allin #Taiex

2026-06-22