ＩＮＤＥＸ 結果共86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. 

Taiwan’s DGBAS reports a 4.47% year-on-year increase in medical costs for March, the highest in 18 years, due to the New Health Insurance Co-payment System. The March CPI showed a 2.14% year-on-year increase, with dining-out costs and essential commodity prices decreasing slightly. However, inflationary pressures persist in services like medical costs and rent.

Explore how Taiwan’s core inflation cycle has dramatically shortened from an average of 17.19 months to just under 8 months over recent years, leading to a significant shift in public perception towards inflation. This change is attributed to various factors, including the pandemic, geopolitical risks, and climate change, affecting the country’s inflation trend and resulting in a discrepancy between public feeling and official statistics.

兩大科技富豪特斯拉（Tesla）創辦人馬斯克（Elon Musk）與Meta創辦人祖克伯（Mark Zuckerberg）經常被拿來做對比，從旗下社群平台X和Threads的比較，再到兩人先前放話的鐵籠格鬥賽等。今（7）日《彭博社》（Bloomberg）公布4月的億萬富豪指數（Bloomberg Billionaires Index），祖克伯身價超車馬斯克，躍居全球第3大富豪，是他2020年以來首度擠進前3名。

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.

Taiwan’s NDC reports economic stability with a green light status for February, driven by production and export improvements linked to AI themes. Officials anticipate continued growth in March, citing positive trends in manufacturing, consumer confidence, and foreign trade. Investment in emerging technologies and R&D, along with steady public investment, are expected to sustain momentum.

巴西氣象部門表示，悶熱的熱浪在巴西創下新紀錄，里約熱內盧（Rio de Janeiro）酷熱指數（heat index，又稱體感溫度）昨天達到攝氏62.3度，創下10年來最高。

Stay updated on the latest weather conditions in Taiwan with this detailed report from TVBS News. Expect mostly cloudy skies and possible showers in northern areas due to the Huanan Cloud System. Daytime temperatures will range from 22-27 degrees Celsius, with significant variations between day and night temperatures. Be prepared for changing weather patterns as the Huanan Cloud System moves northward, bringing cooler temperatures from Tuesday to Thursday.

Taiwan’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Wang Mei-hua, addresses concerns over potential water and electricity price hikes. Wang assures no immediate plans for water price increases and remains cautious on addressing the issue. Legislators advocate against compounding effects of electricity rate hikes and warn of potential inflation spikes. Discussions continue on balancing household electricity costs and industry consumption subsidies.

Taiwan secures its position as a beacon of democracy in Asia, ranking 10th globally in the Democracy Index 2023. Despite challenges, Taiwan’s commitment to democratic principles remains steadfast. Get the latest insights from the EIU report.

Stay updated on Taiwan’s economic progress as the National Development Council reports a stable outlook for January 2024. Economic indicators show positive trends in production, investment, sales, and finance, signaling continued recovery. Follow the transition from recession to a transitional economy in key sectors, reflecting a promising shift in Taiwan’s economic landscape.

Stay updated on Taiwan’s economic landscape with the latest news from Minister of Economic Affairs Wang Mei-hua. Discover insights on electricity price fluctuations and their impact on domestic issues, as well as the government’s strategies to address losses incurred by Taiwan Power Company. Explore the projections for economic growth and inflation rates amidst industry recovery and upcoming events.

The National Health Insurance (NHI) Administration in Taiwan has announced the approval of new applications for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) treatment coverage. This decision comes after the passing of lawyer Chen Chun-han, a prominent advocate for wider medication coverage for SMA. SMA is a progressive neuro-muscular degenerative disease caused by a mutation in the SMN1 gene, impacting muscle functionality and activities such as sitting, walking, speaking, breathing, and eating. The NHI Administration has included the gene therapy drug Zolgensma, which carries a price tag of NT＄49 million, in its benefits since the second half of 2023. The criteria for medication eligibility include an upper limb motor function index (RULM) score of at least 15. There are over 400 SMA patients in Taiwan, and by the end of 2023, 158 people applied for medication, with 145 approvals. The NHI Administration plans to hold an expert meeting in March to discuss expanding access to the drugs for all SMA patients, with a potential approval in the first half of 2024.

Taiwan’s ranking in the 2024 Global Military Strength Index falls to 24th place, emphasizing the nation’s domestic war resource challenges. Experts analyze the implications and the role of President-elect Lai in shaping cross-strait relations.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is considering constructing a second facility in Japan’s Kumamoto Prefecture, with an announcement expected in February. The new facility is projected to attract an investment of around two trillion Yen, roughly NT$421.6 billion. TSMC’s first plant in Kumamoto is nearing completion, indicating a significant expansion of the Taiwanese company’s operations in Japan. Industry analysts speculate that this development, along with the completion of TSMC’s first plant, could attract more semiconductor-related industries, including those from Taiwan, to Kumamoto. The new plant is expected to produce semiconductor products ranging from 7 to 16 nanometers. TSMC currently holds the tenth position in the list of 2023’s top global companies by market value, with a valuation of $53.498 billion, or about NT$1.67 trillion, according to UK-based financial services provider City Index.

Taiwan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) has achieved a satisfaction rate of 91.2% in 2023, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW). This is the first time the satisfaction rate has not decreased despite an increase in insurance costs. Previous reductions in satisfaction were observed in 2002 and 2006 due to premium increases, and in 2013 following the implementation of the second-generation NHI. The highest-rated aspects of the NHI were accessibility to medical treatment and the quality of medical care, with increased insurance costs ranking third. The satisfaction rate reached its peak during times of pandemic, likely due to the introduction of home-based medical care services and improved medical accessibility. Since 2021, the satisfaction rate has consistently remained above 90% and even reached a new all-time high during the pandemic. Taiwan has been ranked number one in the global healthcare index published by NUMBEO for the past five years. The NHI budget has also seen significant growth, increasing by over 48% from NT$590.5 billion in 2015 to NT$875.5 billion in 2024. The survey involved 3,257 participants aged 18 in Taiwan, and while public satisfaction with the NHI is high, physicians generally express lower levels of satisfaction.

Taiwan’s Executive Yuan spokesman, Lin Tzu-lun, announced that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 2.71% in December 2023. Due to the CPI surpassing the legal threshold for two consecutive years, the government supports increasing stipends for retired military, civil, and education personnel by at least 4%. Fixed pension benefits for these individuals will be adjusted to account for inflation. The Executive Yuan has allocated NT$4.4 billion in the 2024 central government budget as a reserve fund for price fluctuations. The necessary adjustment mechanisms have been initiated, with a specialized assessment panel deliberating on the rate adjustment. The government aims to complete the related processes and backtrace the adjustments to January 1, 2024, to ensure the living standards of retired personnel.

Taiwan’s stock market rose to 17,595.01 on Friday morning, despite Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) shares falling to NT＄578. This contrasts with major U.S. stock indices, as the Dow Jones rose by 10.15 points while the Nasdaq fell by 81.91 points. TSMC’s American Depositary Receipt (ADR) price also dropped below US＄100 to US＄99.13, causing a decline of around 1.04%. This decrease in TSMC’s value affected the main index by approximately 16 points, and its market capitalization dipped below NT＄15 trillion. Meanwhile, Asus Chairman Jonney Shih announced the company’s intensified efforts in artificial intelligence (A.I.) development, resulting in Asus shares rising by 6 points to open at NT＄460.

The Taiwan Higher Education Union (THEU) has criticized the government for playing a false game with wage increases. While civil servants, including military and education personnel, are set to receive a 4 percent pay increase next year, over 21,000 technical and administrative staff at universities, about 70 percent, remain unsure of their raises. This uncertain group includes employees at private universities. The THEU believes that the government should not leave salaries of non-certified staff to the discretion of universities, as it causes division and lowers morale. Only around 9,000 public employees out of the approximately 31,000 full-time staff members at universities and colleges are certain about their pay rise next year. The THEU is concerned that the hardships of grassroots workers in tertiary education institutions are being overlooked amidst the upcoming presidential elections. They urge that national wage increases should apply to all university staff, with appropriate subsidies provided.

Taiwan’s GDP per capita has surpassed South Korea’s for the first time since 2003, reaching US＄32,625 in 2022 compared to South Korea’s US＄32,410, according to the Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics (DGBAS). This economic victory can be attributed to Taiwan’s higher growth rate in recent years and the greater depreciation of South Korea’s won. Taiwan had been trailing behind South Korea in terms of GDP per capita since 2003, but the gap between the two has been consistently shrinking. Additionally, in financial market news, Taiwan’s stock index has also advanced beyond Hong Kong’s for the first time in nearly 31 years, with the Taiwan Stock Exchange index closing at 17,370 points, outpacing the Hang Seng Index, which was weighed down by China’s low-earning equities and closed at 16,993.

A new survey conducted by Cathay Financial Holding reveals that 59.3% of respondents expect their year-end bonuses for 2023 to be between one to three months’ worth of salary. Additionally, 45.9% of those polled anticipate a salary increase in 2024, with 9.2% expecting the raise to exceed 3%. However, only 8.3% foresee year-end bonuses topping three months’ salary, while 32.4% predict bonuses will fall below one month. In terms of regular monthly earnings in 2024, 47.6% of participants project stability. The survey also indicates that the average growth expectation for Taiwan’s economy in 2024 stands at 2.52%, with 70% of those surveyed predicting a growth rate above 2%. Respondents expect the inflation rate in 2024 to be 2.21%, with 55% believing it will remain above 2%. These figures differ from the projections by the Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics, which forecasts a 3.35% growth rate and a 1.64% inflation rate for Taiwan in 2024. In December, the optimism index for Taiwan’s stock market rose sharply to 16.1 from -0.4 in November, and the risk appetite index increased from 10.3 to 13.9, indicating market anticipation of potential rate cuts by major central banks next year. The survey, conducted from Dec. 1 to 7, gathered 13,379 valid questionnaires via email from members of Cathay Life Insurance’s official website and customers of Cathay United Bank.

The Cato Institute and the Fraser Institute have co-published the 2023 Human Freedom Index, revealing that Switzerland maintains its position as the country with the highest levels of human freedom. Taiwan, on the other hand, ranks 12th globally and claims the top spot for human freedom in Asia. The report highlights that the COVID-19 pandemic has generally led to a decline in human freedom, particularly in areas such as the rule of law, action, speech, assembly, association, and trade. Taiwan performs well in individual freedom, securing the 12th spot with a score of 8.98 out of 10, and ranks 11th in economic freedom with a score of 7.79, resulting in an overall score of 8.56. The Human Freedom Index is a comprehensive assessment of personal, civil, and economic freedoms worldwide, based on data from 2021 encompassing 165 jurisdictions.

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.

Taipei 101 has maintained its position as the highest-valued land in Taipei for the 11th consecutive year, with an estimated value of NT＄2,001,000 per square meter. This equates to approximately NT＄6.615 million per ping, a traditional Taiwanese unit of area. Cathay Landmark Plaza follows closely behind, achieving record-high office rental prices and a land value of NT＄1,920,000 per square meter or roughly NT$63.47 million per ping. Shin Kong Life Tower, another prominent structure in Taipei’s skyline, claims the third-highest land price at NT＄1,904,000 per square meter, equivalent to about NT$62.94 million per ping. Land values in Taipei have been steadily rising for six years, although the rate of increase in 2023 appears to be slowing down. Taipei’s property value growth is considered the most stable among Taiwan’s six special municipalities, with a yearly increase of 1.37% in housing prices and a 0.48% rise in the land price index, according to the Ministry of the Interior’s latest housing price index.

A survey by Cathay Financial Holdings reveals a rise in Taiwan’s economic confidence, with the outlook index turning positive and stock market optimism rebounding. The December survey shows that 70% of the population expects the economic growth rate to exceed 2% in 2024, while 55% anticipate the inflation rate to remain above 2%. These expectations differ slightly from projections by the Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting, and Statistics (DGBAS), which forecasts a 3.35% economic growth rate and an inflation rate of 1.64% for 2024. The DGBAS data suggests that people may be more conservative about economic expansion and anticipate higher inflation. Additionally, expectations for salary adjustments have improved compared to 2022, with 45.9% of those surveyed predicting wage increases. Of these, 9.2% believe raises will exceed 3%, and 47.6% expect monthly regular wages to stay the same. Taiwan’s current situation confidence index has climbed from -23.2 in November to -3.0 in December, while the future outlook confidence index has improved from -9.1 to 3.6, signaling growing optimism about Taiwan’s upcoming economic climate.