Reported about 1 year ago
Norinchukin Bank, the largest agricultural bank in Japan, plans to revamp its investment portfolio after facing significant losses from selling around 10 trillion yen ($63 billion) in US and European sovereign bonds. The bank anticipates a net loss of 1.5 trillion yen for the fiscal year ending in March 2025, three times higher than the previous estimate of 500 billion yen. To recover from the losses, the bank intends to gradually divest its foreign bonds, explore collateralized loan obligations and other investment options like domestic and overseas bonds, stocks, and project financing.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
Ecuador announced on June 18, 2024, that it will suspend a bilateral agreement allowing Chinese nationals to stay visa-free for up to 90 days starting July 1, due to a concerning increase in the number of overstaying Chinese citizens. The Ecuadorian Foreign Ministry stated that the number of Chinese immigrants has surged in recent months, with around 50% of entrants not leaving within the designated timeframe. Over 32,000 Chinese citizens who entered Ecuador between 2023 and 2024 did not register their departure. While no specific destinations were mentioned, some of these individuals used Ecuador as a starting point to reach other countries. China has expressed opposition to all forms of human trafficking, emphasizing its strong stance against it.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
Taipei City police busted an illegal multi-million-dollar gambling den on June 18, 2024, operated by the boyfriend of the million-subscriber YouTuber 'Di Mei' and renowned poker player 'I.C Charlie.' During the raid, influencer 'Super Brother' (Huang Bochao) was also found at the scene but had already left before the search. The elaborate casino, disguised as a bar and featuring busty dealers, was managed by three poker players, including YouTubers 'Di Mei's partner, 'I.C Charlie,' 'Xiao Liu,' and 'Allen Poker.' The police arrested 24 individuals, seized over $630,000 in proceeds, and confiscated gambling chips, accounting books, cash counting machines, surveillance cameras, among other evidence for further investigation.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
At the South China Life shareholder meeting on June 18, 2024, in a high-interest rate environment, the company saw a 340 billion NT dollar insurance payout last year, with a first-quarter surrender ratio of 60%. Concerns were raised by small shareholders about the impact of high interest rates on reinvestment, introducing AI into underwriting and claims processes, and liquidity. Chairman Yen Chung-yao cited that in the current high-interest rate environment, there are short-term long and short challenges for the insurance industry, but South China Life is still seeing cash inflows without liquidity issues. They have also established a new business unit to utilize AI in risk assessment and assisting frontline staff. Factors like Taiwan-US interest rate spread and inflation pressure have led to a decline in the industry's performance compared to last year. South China Life reported a net profit of 22.1 billion NT dollars last year, with consolidated assets exceeding 5.3 trillion NT dollars and a net worth of 343.9 billion NT dollars. Amid the high interest rates, there is a trend of policy surrenders as funds move towards the stock market and ETFs, with the company recording 75 billion NT dollars in premium income this year and 52 billion NT dollars in surrenders, resulting in a 60% surrender ratio in the first quarter. Yen Chung-yao noted that the expected interest rate cut predicted by the market has shifted lower from 6-7 basis points to 1-2, as the current real interest rates are high and might not be sustainable for the economy. The impact on the insurance industry is multifaceted, with South China Life conducting financial modeling regarding high interest rates. Ultimately, the company is looking to purchase high-interest bonds, provided there is sufficient new money available. They also highlighted their investment strategy, with 70% invested in bonds and an upcoming reinvestment amount of 100 billion NT dollars over the next 3 years. Despite a strong performance in new contract premiums last year, the company's total premium income of 270 billion NT dollars, combined with net investments of 180 billion NT dollars, totaling over 460 billion NT dollars, ensures adequate liquidity.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
Taiwan's stock market reached over 23,000 points early in the morning, marking a significant increase. Wang Rongxu, the CEO of Mega Securities, mentioned that the market is still bullish on major companies like TSMC, MediaTek, and Foxconn due to the influence of AI, with NVIDIA becoming the world's largest AI market cap. Wang believes that there are no signs of weakness in the Taiwan Stock Market and that investors should pay attention to TSMC's performance. Overall, he suggests following the trend and focusing investment on AI-related companies like TSMC, MediaTek, and Foxconn's subsidiaries and suppliers.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
As summer approaches, many parents are planning vacations with their children. However, accommodation prices during summer are usually high. Taiwan High-Speed Rail has launched a promotion in collaboration with Caesars and E-Da, offering hotel bookings starting at NT$2500 per night, along with a discount of at least 30% off standard and business class High-Speed Rail tickets from July 1 to September 30. This package deal includes a variety of hotel choices, transportation, and additional perks, making it a cost-effective option for travelers.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
Sanzhong police in New Taipei City advised a man surnamed He for not properly fastening his helmet while riding a motorcycle, leading to the discovery of a Fendi case containing ketamine. The man was taken in for drug charges. Authorities urged the public to report drug-related activities and emphasized the dangers of drug use. The man's desperate pleas for leniency were to no avail as he was processed for violating drug laws, showcasing the consequences of illegal drug possession.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
According to a survey by Mirror News, 47.4% of people support the Parliament Empowerment Act, while 25.0% oppose it. The survey also found that 41.0% would support a vote of no confidence if the act fails, and 41.7% support the dissolution of the parliament by the president if a no-confidence motion is raised. The survey also touched on support for the proposed Eastern Taiwan transportation legislation, with 29.8% in favor and 58.1% against.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
On June 18, 2024, Wang Bojie was caught drunk driving after crashing into a tour bus with a breathalyzer test revealing a high level of 0.44 milligrams of alcohol. He was charged with endangering public safety and released on bail. Fans expressed outrage on social media, calling for a boycott and criticizing his behavior, stating that he is not suitable to be a public figure. Despite issuing an apology and promising not to drink for a while, public anger continues to escalate online with many vowing to boycott Wang Bojie's work.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
YouTuber couple 'Multistage' composed of Andy and Jia-ning, who are known for their couple pranks, were recently rumored to have broken up. However, they surprised fans by sharing a photo together while out watching a movie, along with fellow YouTuber 'Exhibition' and friends. Despite not directly addressing their relationship status, the interaction and outing seem to suggest otherwise. This public appearance comes after Andy deleted all their couple photos on social media, sparking breakup speculations among fans.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
In a basement in the Da'an District of Taipei, a gambling den disguised as a place for competitive sports was raided by the police. Among the 24 individuals caught were the three operators, known as 'xiao liu', 'Allen Poker', and 'I.C Charlie Charlie', who are all popular YouTubers in Taiwan. 'Xiao liu' was ranked first in Taiwan by the Global Poker Index in 2021 and 2023 before retiring to manage a YouTube channel focusing on poker. 'Allen Poker' and 'I.C Charlie Charlie' were also active in promoting poker events through their YouTube channels. The gambling den was using a poker association as a front to recruit members and host Texas Hold'em tournaments to avoid detection. The police seized evidence and cash amounting to over 630,000 NT dollars and are now investigating the case on charges of illegal gambling and breaching social order regulations.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
Taoyuan Mayor Cheng Wen-tsan attended the press conference for the launch of the Information Power Alliance at the city hall's conference hall on the morning of June 18, 2024. The city government, in collaboration with Microsoft and Yuan Ze University, aims to promote the development of 'Smart Taoyuan' by offering AI application and information security courses. Mayor Cheng emphasized the importance of enhancing industry intelligence and fostering youth talent in the field of artificial intelligence through initiatives like summer camps. Microsoft and Yuan Ze University will be instrumental in providing essential knowledge to drive Taoyuan's industrial productivity, competitiveness, and innovation.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
Starting from now until the end of August, Earth Hotel is hosting weekly mermaid shows every Saturday. Guests can enjoy a one-hour live mermaid performance by the pool, take photos, and even swim with the mermaids. The hotel offers a special accommodation package including mermaid-themed afternoon tea, DIY workshops, cute fish tails, and a mermaid drawing contest. Guests staying for three days over the weekend during June to August will receive a cute fish tail to take home. The 'Midsummer Mermaid Dream' package starts at ¥19,580 for a two-night stay, offering daily breakfast, mermaid-themed afternoon tea, and a relaxing Happy Hour with special activities for families and children.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
Amid the collective rise of heavyweight stocks, the Taiwan stock market surged today, with the index reaching over 510 points at noon, peaking at 23,275 points and surpassing the 23,200 mark. TSMC hit a high of 984 NTD, up 41 NTD by 4.35%, setting a new historical price record, with its market value reaching 25.5 trillion NTD, growing over 10 trillion NTD so far this year. Nvidia also surged by 3.51% on the 18th, becoming the world's largest company by market value. TSMC rose by 22 NTD to 965 NTD today, breaking through a new high and a market value of over 25 trillion NTD; the market also broke through the 23,000 mark in the early morning.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
中国曾为央行以购买政府债券为特征的“量化宽松”政策感到忌讳，但一位前中国人民银行顾问表示，中国应该抛弃这种观念，并意识到为刺激经济增长可能有必要使用这一政策。观察人士表示，中国长期以来一直否定量化宽松政策，这在大多数先进经济体央行将利率降至零之后被用作刺激工具。这种政策有时与经济增长停滞、过度公债负担有关，有些批评者认为这是西方经济衰退的迹象。
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
85歲英國男星伊恩麥克連在倫敦演出舞台劇時意外摔下舞台，痛得大聲呼救並送醫治療。觀眾被緊急疏散，演出取消但麥克連沒大礙。演出者表示他的精神狀態良好，預計將迅速康復回歸舞台。
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
FTNN News Network, June 18, 2024, 9:42 PM: Popular Western pop music star Justin Timberlake, known for his music talent and multiple Grammy awards, was recently arrested for driving under the influence and running a red light. Timberlake was caught by authorities, refused a breathalyzer test three times, and claimed he had only consumed one martini. His lawyer stated he has been released. This incident adds to a series of negative publicity surrounding Timberlake, including past controversies with ex-girlfriend Britney Spears and now a DUI scandal, impacting his once positive image.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
Jiang Xinzhang, the son of the New Taipei City Council Speaker, Jiang Genhuang, who ran for New Taipei City's Xinzhuang District legislator representing the Kuomintang party, was suspected of spreading false information to prevent someone from being elected during the 2024 legislative campaign. After being summoned for questioning by prosecutors, Jiang Xinzhang was released on NT$1 million bail. Additionally, one of Jiang's team assistants was detained and denied visitation rights. The investigation was launched by the Investigation Bureau after receiving intelligence, culminating in multiple raids and questioning of Jiang Xinzhang and three others on June 18th.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
On June 18, 2024, 'I.C Charlie' suspected to be 'DianMei's boyfriend allegedly funded a casino in Taipei's Eastern District, with police raiding the establishment under the guise of a gambling operation. They brought back a total of 24 individuals, including the person in charge, 3 dealers, 4 staff members, and 16 clients for legal actions. The casino, rumored to be founded by 'DianMei's boyfriend, alongside 2 others, who are well-known poker players, was reportedly set up for illegal gambling activities under the guise of Texas Hold'em poker tournaments. Police seized evidence and individuals on the premises during the raid, enforcing laws related to gambling offenses and public order.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in North Korea before dawn on June 19th with the aim of strengthening the defense relationship between the two nuclear-armed countries, amidst ongoing tensions over the war in Ukraine. This is Putin's first visit to the isolated country in 24 years, with the recent military standoffs between North and South Korea highlighting regional security tensions. Putin expressed gratitude for North Korea's support in the Ukraine conflict, with both countries actively developing their partnership. The visit also signifies a closer relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang after Russia's isolation following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
桃園市環保局自2023年元旦起首創AI環境汙染辨識系統，據統計至今年4月，已收到9600件告警並處罰共1400萬元。雖然系統誤差率高達2成，導致民眾和民代擔憂，但環保局表示每案至少節省半小時處理流程，提高稽查效率，改善空氣品質、水質、環境衛生及機車噪音問題，並致力提升辨識系統準確度。
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
A report by Mirror Weekly reveals that a key figure from the third-party political realm, referred to as C, experienced domestic violence by his wife, known as E, who is a high-level executive in a company. C, who frequently interacts with legislator Huang Kuo-chang from the People's Party, was verbally abused and physically assaulted by his wife, who also used C's interactions with Huang Kuo-chang to degrade and humiliate him. In response, Huang Kuo-chang emphasized that regardless of one's identity or occupation, domestic violence should never be tolerated. The incident involved physical injuries to C's face, threats with scissors, and a one-year restraining order issued by the court.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
北市警方接獲檢舉，發現Youtuber滴妹男友涉嫌在台北以酒吧掩護非法賭場，警方攻堅員警逮捕5名工作人員、3名荷官、16名賭客及賭資。賭場吸引賭客的特色在於爆乳美女荷官，並以美女荷官為主打營銷手法。賭場還透過社群經營吸引賭客，包括發布美女荷官相關內容。
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
During a legislative session, Kuomintang (KMT) Legislator Niu Hsu-ting raised concerns about high housing prices faced by young people in Taiwan, with many struggling with the dilemma of 'choosing between having a house or children' due to extended mortgage terms. Premier Su Tseng-chang admitted that unless there are significant societal factors or unrest, housing prices are unlikely to drop. Niu also emphasized the need for the government to shift its focus from social welfare to social investment to address youth housing issues and tackle declining birth rates. Premier Su reiterated the government's efforts in this regard but noted the limited land resources in Taiwan as a key factor affecting housing prices. He pledged to review existing systems for potential solutions.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
LOOKin reported on June 18, 2024, that among the diverse choices in Taiwan's bubble tea brands, a new milk tea specialty store has created a buzz upon its opening, quickly sparking long queues! The brand-new brand 'Ten Famous SHISHENG,' founded by well-known online celebrities 'Apprentice Net Beauty Xiaowu' and 'Jibuxin,' focuses on a specialty of aged milk tea made with Hokkaido's Tencho Dairy, rapidly expanding from its first store in Taipei's Tonghua Street to locations in Taichung, Zhongli, and more. Their perfectly-aged milk tea featuring the flavors of extreme boiling, winter-baked buckwheat, and decaffeinated fresh milk frost is now blooming all over Taiwan, offering a unique and unforgettable taste experience.
Source: YAHOO