interest rates 結果共16筆

the year-over-year (YoY) rate in the rent index has been around 2% for the past two years, a relatively high level. The YoY growth rate in March was 2.24%, the highest increase in the past year. Over the past decade, the average annual increase in the rent index was 1.1%. However, since July 2022, the growth has exceeded 2% and has remained at this level. DGBAS officials pointed out three main factors that contributed to the rise in rent. First, the cost of maintaining houses has increased. In recent years, the increase in residential maintenance costs has been significant, with a sharp rise of 5.8% in 2022 and increases of over 3% in 2023 and 2024. 

Stay informed about the latest developments in Taiwan as electricity prices, lunch box prices, Taipei Zoo admission tickets, and license taxes are set to increase starting April 1. Make sure to plan ahead for these changes to your monthly expenses.

The Ministry of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Funds reported a record high earnings of NT$176.38 billion in February, reaching a total size of NT$6.288 trillion. With a return rate of 4.28%, the fund aims for stable returns amidst fluctuating global interest rates and geopolitical conflicts.

Taiwan’s currency faces depreciation as the Federal Reserve’s interest rate hikes continue. Experts weigh in on potential impacts on exports and inflation, with anticipation for future Fed decisions. Stay updated on Taiwan’s economic landscape.

More than 80% of international students are interested in applying for new specialized classes that allow them to work in Taiwan, according to a report by the Association of International Cultural and Educational Exchange Taiwan (AICEE Taiwan). The report, titled ＂Blue Ocean of International Enrollment Trends 2024,＂ surveyed over 2,000 students from 60 countries who plan to study abroad and learn Chinese. The top three advantages Taiwan offers to international students are high-quality education, a safe environment, and the opportunity to learn Mandarin. Additionally, 86% of international students expressed interest in applying for internship subsidies provided by the Executive Yuan’s initiative and private enterprises. Upon graduation, international students prioritize entering suitable industries, finding employment quickly, and securing high employment rates. Furthermore, 14% of respondents hope that their experience studying in Taiwan will give them a competitive edge in their future education. Scholarships, English-taught programs, and high teaching quality are important factors for students considering studying abroad, while geographical location becomes crucial for those wanting to learn Chinese. Allen Hung, the CEO of AICEE Taiwan, advises Taiwanese universities to provide not only essential enrollment information but also reinforce information about internships and job opportunities during and after studies.

Kaohsiung City Government’s Finance Bureau has become the first in Taiwan to be granted the qualification to issue green bonds, with a total amount of NT＄2 billion. This move is expected to save on interest payments and enact sustainable environmental practices without increasing the city’s debt. The green bonds will fund green investment projects, encompassing renewable energy development, enhanced energy efficiency, and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. These bonds, totaling NT＄2 billion, will utilize their low, fixed interest rates to replace existing higher-interest bank loans, ensuring resources are invested in low-carbon construction. Under Mayor Chen Chi-mai’s leadership, the city has reduced its debt by NT＄10.6 billion by the end of 2022, surpassing the goal of a NT＄10 billion reduction. Kaohsiung aims to continue strengthening its financial and environmental sustainability and implement comprehensive net-zero policies as it works toward a 2050 net-zero goal.

Bank of Japan (BOJ) officials expect Japan’s negative interest rate policy to continue due to insufficient wage growth, according to informed sources. BOJ will hold a monetary policy meeting in December 2024, with additional meetings planned for January, March, and April. After meeting with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, BOJ Governor Haruhiko Kuroda expressed the challenges ahead, possibly signaling a revision to the massive monetary easing policy. This led to a surge in the yen’s exchange rate, reaching a high of 141.6 yen to the dollar.

Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih has unveiled a new housing policy aimed at helping young people in Taiwan purchase their first homes. The initiative is targeted at individuals under 40 years old who have never owned property and face income restrictions. Under the plan, qualified buyers can receive a loan of up to NT＄15 million with no down payment required. They will also enjoy a 0.5% subsidy on their mortgage interest rates, with public banks cutting the rates in half after five years. The policy will last for five years and includes restrictions on reselling the purchased properties for a maximum of ten years to address housing market speculation concerns. Hou criticized the current New Residential Loans Policy for its lack of age and income restrictions, allowing affluent individuals to benefit and non-first-time buyers to take advantage of policy perks. The plan aims to ensure fairness and accessibility for those in genuine need of support in purchasing their first homes.

The Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) Chairman, Huang Tien-mu, addressed questions from Kuomintang Legislator Lin Te-fu about Taiwan’s stock market. Huang emphasized the significant role of domestic funds and corporations in driving market momentum, despite the heavy presence of foreign capital. While foreign capital makes up around 40% of the market value, it accounts for only 30% of regular stock volume. Huang stated that this indicates the considerable impact of internal funds and corporations on the market. Huang also highlighted a record inflow of foreign investment in November 2022, with overseas investors injecting over NTD $350 billion into the Taiwanese market. He attributed this surge in foreign investment to cooling inflation rates in the United States and a retreat from the highs of U.S. national debt yields. Huang argued that confidence in Taiwan’s robust economic fundamentals and attractive yield rates has led to increased foreign investment trust in Taiwan’s stocks. He further emphasized that the sustained influx of ’hot money’ into Taiwan indicates substantial interest from both foreign and local investors. This interaction underscores the FSC’s recognition of diverse investment sources in strengthening the Taiwanese stock market and suggests a cautiously optimistic outlook for continued investment in the island’s economic landscape.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that he would revoke current President Joe Biden’s Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) if he wins the 2024 presidential election. Trump argues that the IPEF could negatively impact the American manufacturing industry and lead to increased unemployment rates. The U.S. previously withdrew from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) due to similar concerns. Negotiations for Biden’s IPEF began in September 2022, with a focus on major southern powers like India and Indonesia, aiming to promote economic cooperation and exclude China. The IPEF includes countries such as Australia, Singapore, Japan, and 10 other Indo-Pacific nations, constituting about 40% of the global GDP. It emphasizes fair and resilient trade, supply chain resilience, and clean energy. Taiwan’s chief trade negotiator expressed the country’s interest in monitoring the IPEF’s development and presenting a proposal for Taiwan’s inclusion at the appropriate time. President Tsai Ing-wen has also expressed Taiwan’s desire to join the IPEF, believing it would create more business opportunities for Taiwanese and U.S. companies.

Taiwan Central Bank Governor Yang Chin-long addressed the Legislative Yuan’s Finance Committee, leaving open the possibility of further interest rate hikes. While rates in the U.S., U.K., Europe, Canada, and Australia are near their peak, Taiwan is approaching its high point. Previous inflation spikes were caused by typhoon impacts, leading to speculation about rate hikes. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 3% in October. The Central Bank’s council members unanimously decided to temporarily halt rate raises, but some members agreed to suspend hikes for only one quarter, suggesting aggressive responses to future inflation are possible. Market watchers are observing whether interest rate hikes might resume in December if inflation surpasses 3%. Yang attributed the current inflation to typhoon impacts, particularly rising vegetable and fruit prices, and promised close observation of rate raises in the fourth quarter. Economic growth is expected to remain above 2% this year, but the fourth quarter may see a downward revision to 1%.

The Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) has announced an 8.6 percent rebound in output, driven by developments in solar and wind power. Taiwan’s renewable energy market is expected to reach NT$200 billion in 2024. This was revealed during an ITRI industry forum that focused on cross-discipline cooperation in carbon solution exchange. Jay Wang, Vice Director of ITRI Industrial Economics and Knowledge Center, highlighted the challenges faced by the global economy due to high inflation and interest rates, which have increased investment costs for renewable energy development. Wang emphasized the importance of renewable energy in achieving a net-zero economy by 2050, but noted that oversupply has resulted in lower prices and the need for different approaches. Despite these challenges, Taiwan has excelled in the development and innovation of renewable energy, particularly offshore wind power, with an accumulated capacity of 2GW to date.

In today’s economy, many young adults face the challenges of low wages and increasing inflation and interest rates. 

Taiwan Central Bank Governor Yang Chin-long hinted at a new round of interest rate hikes in the first quarter of 2023, after raising interest rates by another 12.5 basis points in December this year.

Global inflation, soaring interest rates, the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian War, and the slowdown of China’s economy are leading factors in why Taiwan is seeing low export numbers in the 4th quarter of 2022.

Rising interest rates for housing mortgages make owning a home an even more elusive dream for many Taiwanese, including Ms. Chang, an office worker and a mom of three. After being married for over ten years, her family is still unable to buy a house.