Reported 8 months ago
Microsoft Bing (6625) held a shareholders' meeting on June 18, 2024, where they approved a dividend of 3.5 yuan and a stock dividend of 1 yuan. Chairman Zhou Youyang stated the company plans to bring in more foreign artists to perform in Taiwan, expand into the mainland Chinese market, and will open a brand new multi-functional performance space in Keelung in July, showcasing art exhibitions, cultural and creative exhibitions, and music performances. Seizing the post-pandemic recovery period, Microsoft Bing's consolidated revenue reached 2.56 billion yuan last year, a 96% increase, with an EPS of 6.68 yuan setting a new record. This year, the company continues its growth momentum with a May revenue of 420 million yuan, a 135.78% increase, hitting a new high in nearly 12 months. Zhou Youyang mentioned plans to focus on concerts and commercial performance events in the second half of the year, expand operations in the mainland Chinese market, integrate hardware and software resources advantageously, provide services for more artists and performers globally, and venture into venue operations like LIVE HOUSE, hosting new businesses such as IP derivative fan meetings and experiential exhibitions.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 8 months ago
On June 18, 2024, Creative (3443) revised its second-quarter operating outlook with a 20% increase in NRE (design outsourcing), expecting better performance in the second half of the year due to customer returns. Creative focuses on High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) and has a track record of successful mass production with advanced process cases and products. Creative's stock price hit the daily limit up several times on the 18th, closing at 1,680 yuan with a 9.09% increase, reversing its sluggish trend since February. The moving averages are neatly arranged upwards, with a daily trading volume of 5,995 shares. Institutional investors bought 1,224 shares more than sold, making it the highest in nearly 5 months. Institutions revealed that Creative will focus on the backend design in future HBM technology developments.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 8 months ago
Fitch Ratings has revised its forecast for China's economy growth in 2024 to 4.8% due to a recovering export industry, with expectations of increased government spending to boost private sector income. The global economic growth forecast for 2024 has also been raised to 2.8% from 2.4%, but is expected to slow to 2.4% in 2025. Despite challenges such as the property market crisis and weak consumer demand, China's official loosening of fiscal policies and export rebound are seen as favorable for this year's economic growth, with a projected slowdown to 4.5% in 2025.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 8 months ago
Starting from June 14, the Central Bank of Taiwan implemented its sixth wave of selective credit control, reducing the maximum loan-to-value ratio for a second housing mortgage in specific areas from 70% to 60%. Public sector banks clarified that applications submitted by June 13 (inclusive) can still be lent up to the previous 70% limit, while applications submitted after June 14 are subject to the new regulations. The Central Bank emphasized the importance of formal written applications before the specified deadline to be eligible under the old rules. This tightening of mortgage regulations is part of efforts to stabilize the housing market, particularly in high-income areas like Hsinchu City and County, aiming to curb speculation rather than targeting owner-occupiers.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 8 months ago
Recent memory market conditions show increased product prices and shipping volumes, with continued reduction in production, benefiting South Asia Technology (2408) and Winbond Electronics (2344) as operations improve quarterly. Memory factories are benefitting from major orders for high bandwidth memory and DDR5 from international giants to meet future AI and HPC demands, causing shortages in low-margin DDR4 production, leading to price stabilization and improved profits. Anticipated growth in smartphone and PC demand will boost average DRAM capacity, promising revenue growth. South Asia Technology is expected to gradually reduce production cuts with a focus on DDR5 production, leading to potential profit turnaround. The market foresees increased shipments for South Asia Technology, with DDR4 production expected to rise as DDR3 decreases. With major players like Samsung and SK Hynix adjusting production lines to halt DDR3 supply by the second half of the year, Taiwanese suppliers are likely to see improved DDR3 contract prices over spot prices. Investor optimism is supported by price increases in niche DRAM and NOR markets in the second quarter, coupled with opportunities from upcoming AI, PC, and smartphone releases, positioning Winbond Electronics for an upturn in its memory business and improved market evaluation.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 8 months ago
Religious organizations such as Tzu Chi, Fo Guang Shan, and Christian groups, traditionally active in charity work, have recently been involved in long-term care services for the elderly. Initiatives include transforming buildings into comprehensive care facilities, providing professional care for seniors, and incorporating advanced technology and integrated care services to meet the increasing demand for long-term care in Taichung City.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 8 months ago
Cathie Wood, dubbed as the female stock guru, who had previously reduced her holdings in TSMC ADR back in February due to bearish views on AI, succumbed to the allure of AI and reloaded relevant stocks. As reported by US media, Wood made significant investments in AI concept stocks on the 17th, including splurging over $5.3 million (approximately NT$170 million) to buy TSMC ADR. Wood's ARK Investment Management bought massive amounts of AI concept stocks, such as TSMC, Amazon, and Palantir Technologies known for big data analytics. TSMC ADR rose by 2.7% on Monday, closing at $177.24. Susquehanna, a private financial technology company, maintained a positive rating on TSMC ADR and raised the target price from $180 to $200. Commercial Times from Taiwan reported that TSMC plans to raise 3nm production prices by over 5%, and advanced packaging prices are also expected to increase by about 10% to 20% next year, with 3nm chip capacity fully booked by major clients like Apple and Nvidia until 2026.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 8 months ago
Yu Shan Investment's futures analyst Jiang Zhongkang provided by Huang Yanhong on June 18, 2024, at 4:10 PM, the S&P 500 futures, Nasdaq 100 futures, and FEI index futures launched by Taiwan Futures Exchange continued to hit historical highs. The technical aspects of the three major index futures show bullish moving averages, combined with economic data indicating easing inflation and continued market optimism, maintaining a favorable bullish trend. However, Dow Jones futures, influenced by recent gains in US tech stocks related to AI, have underperformed due to a higher proportion of non-tech sector component stocks and the index's price-weighted design limitations.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 8 months ago
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) issued a monetary policy statement on June 18, 2024, maintaining the benchmark interest rate at a 12-year high for the fifth consecutive time but also warning of persistent high inflation risks, hinting at a possibility of rate hikes. Market expectations of a rate cut before the year-end plummeted after the announcement, with the Australian dollar gaining strength. The RBA's cautious outlook on inflation was reflected in its latest policy statement, anticipating the possibility of further tightening monetary policy at its August meeting should inflation data for the second quarter show unexpected increases.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 8 months ago
As China ramps up its electric vehicle production and global acquisition of strategic rare earth minerals, Canada has taken action to prevent Chinese buyers from acquiring Vital Metals' rare earth resources in the Northwest Territories. Through a joint venture, the Canadian federal government and Saskatchewan purchased the rare earth resources in order to secure the global mineral supply chain, as Canada views Nechalacho as a key asset in countering China's control over critical minerals. This move follows other instances where Canada has tightened regulations to prevent Chinese investment in key mineral resources.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 8 months ago
Terrynet, a car lamp component factory, is aiming to achieve record-high revenue for the third consecutive year. With stable growth in North American aftermarket (AM) and Chinese original equipment manufacturer (OEM) demands, Terrynet's chairman Wu Guozhen expressed optimism at the shareholders meeting, highlighting the company's efforts in obtaining CAPA certification for car lamp products and accelerating new lamp development to secure a leading market position. With revenue reaching NT$8.589 billion in the first five months of the year, Terrynet is poised to surpass NT$20 billion for the year, expecting continued profit growth. Terrynet also focuses on enhancing its competitive edge by deepening involvement in the North American and Chinese markets, especially in the field of new energy vehicles, smart cabin ambiance lights, and intelligent car lighting systems.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 8 months ago
During the RF IC's shareholder meeting held on June 18, 2024, in Taipei, General Manager Chen Junjie expressed optimism about the company's operations improving this year due to a normal market supply and demand, the gradual opening of the IoT and optical transmission markets, and a focus on wireless RF technology. Despite a 23.6% decline in combined revenue last year, the company aims for growth this year with a recovery in end-demand. By emphasizing the combination of IoT products and softboard applications, the company plans to provide efficient and energy-saving chip module transmission solutions for the market.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 8 months ago
In May and June, the Japanese Yen remained weak, with the trading volume of the Yen in the first five months on foreign exchange settlement platforms hitting a new high compared to the same period in previous years, reflecting continued strong demand for the Yen among Taiwanese citizens. Public banks suggest that the Yen may continue to fluctuate at low levels in the short term due to the cautious attitude of the Bank of Japan towards monetary tightening and hawkish signals from the Federal Reserve. Foreign banks believe that Japan may not raise interest rates until September or October, keeping the Yen relatively weak in the medium term.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 8 months ago
At the shareholders' meeting on June 18, 2024, H.Y. International responded to shareholders' expectations by deciding to increase share premium by 1 yuan, with a total dividend of 10 yuan per share, including 3 yuan in stock dividend and 7 yuan in cash dividends. Last year, H.Y. reported a consolidated revenue of 7.755 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 52.3%, with an EPS of 13.86 yuan. The company's chairman expressed optimism for the future of the real estate market in Taiwan and anticipated continued growth in revenue and profit for the rest of the year.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 8 months ago
Taiwan Stock Exchange hosted the 4th event of the 2024 SDGs series with the theme 'Sensory Delicacy, Balance Mind and Body' focusing on environmental sustainability. By combining fitness and stress-relief activities, they show care for the well-being of employees, promoting work-life balance and creating a more friendly and inclusive environment. Emphasizing the importance of employee health, they aim to maintain competitiveness and achieve sustainable development goals, inviting professional fitness coaches to lead yoga-inspired exercises for spinal flexibility and relaxation. Encouraging exercise habits for overall well-being, they seek to provide a diverse and friendly work environment for employees to relax and stay healthy amidst busy work schedules.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 8 months ago
Facing challenges of an aging population, declining birth rates, and labor shortages in industries, 'human capital' and 'healthy workforce' have become crucial for the competitiveness of both companies and countries. The Ministry of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration advocates for companies to prioritize worker health and safety, going beyond regulations. They are expanding the 'Selection of Sustainable Health Workforce Leading Companies' initiative, accepting registrations until August 15 from domestic privately-owned enterprises and foreign companies operating in Taiwan who have prepared and submitted sustainability reports. This year's selection criteria focus on principles of leadership commitment, strengthening health workforce, and expanding influence, with eligibility not restricted by business size or industry type. Additionally, considering many small and medium-sized enterprises are reporting sustainability for the first time, a 'New Model Award' has been introduced, along with free counseling resources to enhance competitiveness and operational resilience. In alignment with global sustainability, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is working towards the sustainable development of workplace health and labor force by initiating a medium to long-term plan starting from 2022, using GRI 403 Occupational Health and Safety standards and providing guidance for companies in compiling sustainability reports.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 8 months ago
Local governments are engaged in a battle for funding as the Finance Committee of the Legislative Yuan will review the amendments to the Fiscal Plan Law line by line on June 19, with the Ministry of Finance completing relevant calculations for the proposed versions by the Kuomintang caucus and the People's Party caucus. The additional revenue for six municipalities ranges from 1,186 billion to 2,340 billion yuan. The amendment to the Fiscal Plan Law, unchanged for 25 years, has raised significant concerns, with a total of 20 versions proposed in the Legislature, but the Democratic Progressive Party and the Executive Yuan have yet to present their own amendment versions.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 8 months ago
According to the report, the life insurance industry's investment in public constructions has been increasing, exceeding 130 billion NT dollars in the first quarter of 2024, but it is still less than 1% of the industry's total usable funds of 34.9 trillion NT dollars. To address challenges in investing in public constructions, the Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) Chairman, Kung-Long Pern, aims to keep insurance funds invested in Taiwan. Despite the growing trend in investments, the percentage of capital allocated to public constructions has never exceeded 1%, presenting a significant disparity when compared to foreign investments, which account for 69.7%.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 8 months ago
Lin Shuhui/Taipei report, 18th June 2024, 4:10 PM, Photo/Business Data provided by the newspaper. Lin Zhi Chen, the general manager of Taiwan Mobile, along with the management team announced the half-year performance and outlook after the merger with Taiwan Star. Lin stated that Taiwan Mobile's profit flywheel has initiated at a rapid pace, expecting double-digit growth in revenue and profit in 2024, with even better results in 2025. As the telecom industry shifts towards new businesses, Taiwan Mobile's successful diversification has led to significant growth prospects. They plan to focus on maximizing the merger synergy and driving revenue growth through network integration and technology expansion, aiming to rapidly advance profits.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 8 months ago
Cisco collaborates with Jintai Technology to establish the 'AloT Sustainable Innovation R&D Center' in the Asia Bay of Kaohsiung on June 18, 2024. This marks an important AIoT industry base for Cisco in Asia, serving as a hub for smart technology solution development and demonstration, global operations support, as well as local tech talent cultivation to build an intelligent port ecosystem in the largest port in Taiwan, Kaohsiung Port. With Cisco's commitment to Kaohsiung following its Taiwan Digital Acceleration Plan 3.0, this initiative will further enhance the city's ecosystem and establish a new benchmark in the international smart port sector.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 8 months ago
Taipei, June 18, 2024, 4:10 pm - EVA Air, China Airlines, Nan Ya Plastics, and 11 others were bought over by the three major institutional investors. The stock market in Taiwan surged again as the three major institutional investors collectively purchased shares, totaling NT$22.264 billion on the 18th. Notably, stocks in the aviation sector, semiconductor industry, DRAM sector, and major financial institutions were among the favorites for institutional investors, with positive stock price performance. Institutional investors maintained a bullish stance on the Taiwan stock market, with the 14 selected stocks being heavily favored. This continued optimism from institutional investors is considered a key driver for the Taiwan stock market to hit new highs.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 8 months ago
Industry insiders indicate that whether it is the third-quarter price or the July price, the probability of CSC opening flat is the highest. With raw material prices trending lower and major steel mills in Asia maintaining flat new prices recently, the chance of CSC opening flat is high. Market analysts also predict that due to fluctuating raw material prices and the impact of low-priced imported materials, CSC is likely to respond with a flat price for both the third quarter and July prices, considering the overall market sentiment pointing toward weak future trends.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 8 months ago
According to the World Gold Council's Global Central Bank Gold Reserves Survey for 2024 released on June 18, nearly 30% of global central banks plan to increase their gold reserves in the coming year, the highest ratio since the survey began. This trend is driven by growing pessimism towards the US dollar and as a response to rising political and economic risks and inflation pressures. Despite a recent dip in gold prices, which reached a high of $2,454.2 in May but has since decreased by about 6%, gold prices have still surged by approximately 12% this year. The survey also shows that central banks globally have been consistently increasing their gold reserves over the past two years, with 2022 marking a record increase of 1,082 tons and 2023 following closely with 1,037 tons. The report suggests that with the current economic uncertainties and global unrest, the increase in gold reserves in 2024 may surpass previous levels.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 8 months ago
Horng Tech (3131), a supplier of equipment related to CoWoS, is expected to benefit from the tight supply of CoWoS production capacity in 2024 and 2025. It is projected that the level of benefits and operational contribution in 2025 will be superior to that of 2024. Horng Tech is expanding production in 2024, keeping pace with the advancement in processes and packaging in advanced wafer factories. Market analysts anticipate the company's entrance into the SoIC advanced packaging and silicon photonics supply chain, serving as a significant driver for operational growth. Horng Tech's main business is wet processing equipment which includes wafer cleaning, PR Stripping, and Under Bump Metallurgy Etching. The company is expected to continue its positive operations alongside its chemical subsidiary, Tian Hong, in the field of semiconductor wet processing.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 8 months ago
Yan Rixing/Taipei report on June 18, 2024, at 4:10 PM, Construction Engineering (5515) held a shareholder meeting where it was reported that due to strong public construction demand throughout the year, new orders have exceeded 12.6 billion yuan. They have introduced aluminum formwork business to address low-carbon trends and labor shortages, aiming to create technological differentiation. Optimistic market expectations are based on the momentum this year, showing a potential rebound in Construction Engineering's operations. The company plans to continue focusing on technical research and development, with 37 patents currently and various new construction methods in the application process.
Source: YAHOO