Taiwanese optimism 結果共8筆

The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for Asian manufacturing in March shows varying recovery rates across the region, with Taiwan’s manufacturing sector on the rise and confidence among Taiwanese businesses reaching a nearly three-year high. Japan also saw improvement, while South Korea and Vietnam experienced contractions. Paul Smith from S&P Global Market Intelligence notes signs of price and supply stabilization supporting a more optimistic outlook for the Asian manufacturing sector.

Top Taiwanese leaders from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) are recognizing the need for fresh approaches and new policies to connect with the youth after a challenging electoral run in Taichung City. Legislative Deputy Speaker Tsai Chi-chang expressed his concerns to DPP Chairman Lai Ching-te, pledging to introduce novel ideas and practices over the next four years to gain youth support. In response, Lai stated his intention to proactively address youth issues and develop a strategic plan to win back young supporters. Tsai believes that Lai’s forthcoming policies will generate further optimism among the younger population. DPP legislator Ho Hsin-chun and councilor Chiang Chao-kuo echoed these sentiments, urging the party to prioritize young people’s ideas and adjust existing regulations to meet their expectations. DPP caucus whip in the Taichung City Council, Lee Tien-sheng, also acknowledged the disconnect with the younger generation and emphasized the need for the party to work harder to gain their support and recognition.

Nearly 46% of Taiwanese people expect a salary increase next year, according to a survey by Cathay Financial Holding Co. The survey also found that about 60% of respondents anticipate year-end bonuses ranging from one to three months’ salary, while 8.3% expect bonuses to exceed three months. However, 47.6% of those surveyed expect monthly wages to remain constant. The survey also revealed a conservative estimate for Taiwan’s 2024 economic growth, with an average expectation of 2.52%, contrasting with the more bullish 3.35% forecast by the Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting, and Statistics. Respondents predict an average inflation rate of 2.21%, with 55% believing it will exceed 2%, higher than the directorate’s projection of 1.64% for 2024. The survey was conducted from Dec. 1-7 and gathered 13,379 valid responses through email questionnaires.

A survey by Cathay Financial Holdings reveals that Taiwanese are increasingly optimistic about year-end bonuses and economic prospects. 59.3% of respondents expect bonuses ranging from one to three months’ salary, surpassing last year’s 55%. Furthermore, 8.3% anticipate bonuses exceeding three months’ pay, reflecting an improvement in attitudes towards Taiwan’s economy. The Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics predicts a 3.35% economic growth in 2024 with an inflation rate of 1.64%, but the public is more cautious, expecting a 2.52% growth and a 2.21% inflation rate. The optimism index for the local stock market has also improved. Additionally, 45.9% of Taiwanese anticipate salary increases, a 13.2 percentage point increase from 2022, while those expecting a steady monthly income dropped by 10.9 percentage points to 47.6%. Only 32.4% believe their year-end bonus will be less than one month’s salary, a decrease of 5.6 percentage points from the previous year.

A new poll reveals that 40.5% of Taiwanese would definitely not vote for the Democratic Progressive Party’s Lai-Hsiao ticket (Lai Ching-te, Hsiao Bi-khim) in the upcoming 2024 presidential election. The survey also shows that 47.1% believe cross-strait economic and people-to-people exchanges could worsen under Lai Ching-te’s leadership. Lai-Hsiao currently leads with 35.9% support, followed closely by the Kuomintang’s Hou-Jaw ticket (Hou Yu-ih, Jaw Shaw-kong) with 34.7%, and the Taiwan People’s Party’s Ko-Wu ticket (Ko Wen-je, Cynthia Wu) at 19.6%. A small percentage plan to abstain or render their ballots invalid, and a significant portion remains undecided. Optimism for Lai-Hsiao winning stands at 44.3%, while 27.3% completely rule out voting for Hou-Jaw and 20.6% against Ko-Wu. Hou Yu-ih is believed to have a 16.4% impact on cross-strait relations, while Ko Wen-je holds an 11.6% influence. The poll was conducted from December 18-19, surveying 1,224 individuals from Taiwan and the Fujian area. It was funded by ETtoday and has a sampling error of ±2.8% at a 95% confidence level.

SinoPac Securities Investment Service (SinoPac Inv. Service) has released a report on the Taiwanese stock market, highlighting its impressive growth streak. Taiwan stocks have surged over 44% since 2020 through the end of November, outpacing South Korea’s market and even surpassing the US S&P 500’s gain. The report suggests that Taiwan stocks are poised to set a new high for the year, as the index has successfully breached the critical threshold of 16,800 points. SinoPac Inv. Service also points out that political performance and a thriving stock market are often seen as indicators of the incumbent’s record, with the stock market tending to show an upward trend before the presidential elections. Given the current momentum and what is described as a ＂multi-bottom pattern,＂ investment strategists at SinoPac are suggesting a ＂bullish-bias＂ investment approach. As investors closely monitor economic indicators before making their predictions on the election’s impact, Taiwan’s stock market enters the end-of-year season with robust investor optimism.

Former President Ma Ying-jeou’s support for nationwide polling in the selection of a joint party candidate for the upcoming presidential election has been clarified by Ma Ying-jeou Foundation spokesperson Xiao Xucen. This method, which was used in the KMT primary elections in 2019, was also used to nominate candidates for the presidency. Xiao emphasized that Ma’s stance remains unwavering and there is no truth to allegations that he has changed his attitude towards the polling of the prospective KMT-TPP ticket. Ma believes that public polling is the ultimate method to select a strong candidate who can compete against the ruling Democratic Progressive Party’s nominee, Lai Ching-te. Xiao further commented that public polling is a powerful tactic to unite non-ruling parties and challenge the ＂corrupted＂ DPP. He expressed optimism that public polling will continue to be embraced by KMT-TPP supporters, as well as moderate and young voters.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has received approval from the Ministry of Economic Affairs to establish a fabrication facility in Germany. At the CDKWV 90th Anniversary International Conference, optimism abounded as experts discussed the potential of this 3.5 billion-euro investment. Dr. Jörg Polster, Director General of the German Institute Taipei, highlighted the compatibility of cultures, while Stan Shih, Acer’s co-founder, raised concerns about cultural differences. The partnership is expected to deepen as German investments in Taiwan reach record levels.