Online-only banks narrow cumulative losses; LINE Bank posts profits for 7 straight months
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Cumulative losses at Taiwan's online-only banks are shrinking, with LINE Bank posting profits for 7 consecutive months as the industry overall stabilizes.
Facts
The 3 online-only banks had combined cumulative losses of NT$6.941 billion as of the end of June this year
That compares with cumulative losses of NT$8.498 billion in the same period last year
The 3 online-only banks had 3.4 million accounts, an annual increase of 495,000
連線銀行 had 2.41 million accounts
將來銀行 had nearly 630,000 accounts
樂天銀行 had 350,000 accounts
連線銀行 reduced its capital by NT$2.5 billion in June 2022
將來銀行 reduced its capital by NT$2.643 billion in December 2023
Rakuten Bank also completed a capital reduction and increase of NT$2.729 billion in June this year
立法院 President 韓國瑜 criticized 行政院 for refusing to countersign bills, saying it undermines the constitutional order. 行政院 rebutted that it is faithfully abiding by the Constitution, stressing that refusing to countersign unconstitutional bills is a constitutional responsibility.
友鋮 enters 富豪汽車 EX60 supply chain; waterproof bolts to enter mass production in the second half of the year
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Special fastener maker 友鋮 has received certification from 富豪汽車 (Volvo) and will produce waterproof bolts for the battery assembly of its EX60 model, with mass production expected in the second half of the year.
Facts
友鋮 posted revenue of NT$1.256 billion in the first half of this year.
Up 3.67% year over year
Net profit attributable to owners of the parent company was NT$116 million.
Up about 298.5% year over year
Earnings per share were NT$2.55.
Up from NT$0.66 in the same period last year
Expected to drive exports of at least 240 metric tons of fasteners annually
Expected to bring orders to at least 10 domestic supply-chain companies
Original第2季北美市場營收占比逾6成
Original歐洲市場占比約3成
Overall order visibility stands at about 3 to 4 months.
鴻海 expands overseas footprint, increases capital in Vietnam and buys land in Mexico
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Summary not yet available
Facts
The transaction was worth about US$358 million.
The land covers about 73,500 ping.
The transaction was worth about 460 million Mexican pesos.
The company invested about 380 million Mexican pesos.
Companies mentioned：鴻海、Foxconn Singapore Pte Ltd、FuKang Technology Company Limited、FII AMC MEXICO S. DE R.L. DE C.V.、Cloud Network Technology Singapore Pte. Ltd.
Taiwan Lottery draw No. 115080 was held on the 18th, with the winning numbers and bonus number announced. The information was reported by the Central News Agency; details are subject to the announcement by 台彩.
According to the latest poll by 加拿大 market research firm 阿巴卡斯數據（Abacus Data），74% of people in 加拿大 feel their households have already been affected by the trade dispute. However，36% would support new retaliatory tariffs against 美國，even if 加拿大’s economy might suffer further，while only 18% back concessions such as lifting the ban on sales of U.S. alcoholic beverages in exchange for tariff relief.
According to the latest poll by 加拿大 market research firm 阿巴卡斯數據（Abacus Data），74% of people in 加拿大 feel their households have already been affected by the trade dispute. However，36% would support new retaliatory tariffs against 美國，even if 加拿大’s economy might suffer further，while only 18% back lifting
韓國瑜 slams 卓榮泰 for refusing to countersign： “Executive power does not outrank the Constitution”；行政院 says it has always abided by the Constitution and never abused its powers
Was the collapse of Trump’s talks with Iran inevitable？Former U.S. ambassador scoffs：White House diplomatic plan was simply unworkable
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Negotiations for a 60-day ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran collapsed, and a cargo ship was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz. A former U.S. ambassador in Amman criticized the Trump administration's foreign policy as “unrealistic.” Risks to energy supplies are rising.
“If there’s money for a 10,000 cash handout，there can’t be no money for social housing！” 王婉諭 renews her attack：賴 government won’t even admit it fell short of its 130,000-unit target
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
時代力量 chair 王婉諭 criticized 賴清德’s government for its cash handout policy，saying social housing should be prioritized and questioning the government’s broken promises on budgets and land policy.
Beijing Observer》Is economic czar Zhu Rongji the final echo of an era? Xi Jinping and the other Politburo Standing Committee members attend: decoding the political power behind the funeral
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The body of former Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji was cremated at Beijing’s Babaoshan Revolutionary Cemetery on Aug. 18. Xi Jinping and all other incumbent Politburo Standing Committee members attended the farewell, underscoring Zhu’s historic status as a symbol of the reform era.
Jiang Chi-chen leads Taichung mayoral poll by just 6.7 percentage points; Huang Yang-ming flags key warning sign: no indication that Ho Hsin-chun can make a comeback
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
A poll by 新台灣國策智庫 shows Kuomintang candidate Jiang Chi-chen leading Democratic Progressive Party candidate Ho Hsin-chun, 42.8% to 36.1%, a gap of 6.7 percentage points. Commentator Huang Yang-ming said that even with a sample skewed toward the pan-green camp, Ho would still struggle to turn things around, and the gap between her support and her perceived chances of winning is a warning sign.
Cho Jung-tai again refuses to countersign bills passed by the Legislative Yuan in third reading; Han Kuo-yu issues stern warning: no matter how great the power of the government, it cannot exceed the Constitution
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
After Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan passed several bills, the Executive Yuan refused to countersign them. Legislative Yuan President Han Kuo-yu issued a stern warning, stressing that the Constitution takes precedence over executive power and the separation of powers must not be shaken.
Kang Kang and his daughter take the stage aboard the Explorer Dream and get the whole crowd cheering, creating the “funniest cruise”; fall and winter sailings offer a travel fair exclusive: buy 4 nights, get 1 night free
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Entertainer 康康 boarded 麗星郵輪's Explorer Dream for the first time with his family, offering live performances and comedy to create “the funniest cruise.” In conjunction with a travel fair, the company is running an autumn and winter route promotion: “Buy 4 nights, get 1 night free.”
Engines roar across the Lanyang Plain as Qiyu joins forces with 紅馬車隊 to rally more than 60 luxury supercars for a bold eastbound drive, unveiling the mystery of the Arabian Palace
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Qiyu Supercars and 紅馬車隊 co-hosted an eastbound supercar rally, bringing more than 60 luxury cars together at the Arabian Palace in Toucheng, Yilan, and showcasing Taiwan’s thriving supercar culture. The event also strengthened trust and camaraderie among car enthusiasts and promoted charitable initiatives.
Kuomintang on notice! Interior Ministry flags party officials who have failed to submit “proof of having renounced Chinese nationality for 10 years”; re-election required by deadline
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Ministry of the Interior said 5 elected officials from 4 parties, including the Kuomintang, failed to meet the requirement of having been registered residents in Taiwan for 10 years after renouncing Chinese nationality. They must stand for re-election by the deadline or their registrations will be revoked. The ministry also released party financial disclosures for 2025.
Is Lai Ching-te’s call for a universal 10,000 cash handout driven by ulterior motives? Huang Yang-ming reveals the DPP’s “intent”: it is as clear as Sima Zhao’s intentions
Which of the Blue, Green and White camps is best at raising revenue and cutting spending? Latest party financial reports released; this is the only one that “didn’t lose money”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Ministry of the Interior released party financial reports for year 114, with 72 parties completing their filings. Of the Blue, Green and White parties, only the Taiwan People’s Party reported a surplus of 46.85 million yuan, giving it an edge in financial management.
Pledging to buy Taiwan’s agricultural and fishery products, Xiamen rolls out “12 measures to benefit Taiwan”! The Mainland Affairs Council’s 71-character response conveys goodwill, gently referring to the other side as “the mainland authorities”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Xiamen, in China's Fujian province, announced “12 measures to benefit Taiwan” to strengthen transport and economic ties with Kinmen. Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council responded mildly, referring to China as “the mainland side.”
300 aircraft ready? Chinese media claim J-20s can “reach Japan in 15 minutes”; retired general reveals the real battlefield threat: targeting the “brains in the sky”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
With China reportedly deploying more than 300 fifth-generation stealth fighters, the J-20, retired military officer 栗正傑 said the real threat lies not in high-speed approaches over Japan, but in air-superiority operations targeting “the brains in the sky,” such as airborne early-warning and refueling aircraft.
Peru plans to add 12 F-16V fighters, accelerating replacement of older French and Russian models, but faces one major obstacle: a lack of funds
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Peru is considering an additional purchase of 12 F-16V fighter jets. The goal is to replace aging aircraft and strengthen its military, but financial difficulties are the biggest challenge.
Could the memory industry be roaring back after a correction? Lu Xingzhi’s 6-character response: keep watching capital spending and inventory changes in the second half of the year
“Taiwan only won the first half of the AI arms race.” Huang Shanshan warns of what comes next: The war is just beginning
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Taiwan People's Party legislator Huang Shanshan said global AI competition has shifted from performance to price and adoption. Taiwan leads in hardware but lags in business applications, facing a crisis of “winning the first half and losing the second.”
15 people indicted in 中聯 tainted cooking oil case! Huang Kuo-chang: Lai Ching-te said “hold people accountable without leniency”—which Green official took responsibility?
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Taichung prosecutors indicted 15 people in connection with 中聯's carcinogenic oil case. 黃國昌 criticized the government for failing to hold senior officials accountable and said political trust had been lost.
The economy is doing well and everyone gets 10,000, “yet Taiwanese feel nothing”? Ogasawara Yoshiyuki reveals 1 poll and is stunned to find election theory failing
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Japanese political scientist 小笠原欣幸 analyzed how perceptions diverge according to people's economic outlook and party preference, despite Taiwan's 11.05% economic growth rate and a universal payout of ¥10,000. He said traditional electoral theories may not apply in Taiwan.
Joeman’s “female influencer tenant” has had enough! Naomi admits she had an ambiguous relationship with him and lived in his apartment for 2 years; her hotel work was also true
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Naomi, a female influencer who had been denied as a former partner of popular Taiwanese YouTuber Joeman, spoke out for the first time. She acknowledged an ambiguous relationship but denied having an affair or living together.
Debuted less than a year ago! “Smiling goddess” Kim Tae-hee goes from Korean fame to Taiwan, drawing huge crowds at a Taichung department store
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Korean cheerleader Kim Tae-hee shot to fame in Taiwan in less than a year after her debut, thanks to her sweet smile and energetic cheering. On the 16th, she served as a one-day store manager for a sunglasses brand in Taichung, drawing a large crowd of fans and showcasing her international popularity.
Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen and Public Works Bureau Director Chen Da-tian were the first to adopt streetlights, promoting the “Light a Thousand Lamps, Illuminate a City” initiative. By the end of July, 1,163 lights had been adopted, a record high, showcasing the results of municipal leadership and public participation.
U.S. stocks premarket: Oil prices and Treasury yields both weigh on markets! Major indexes open lower, with semiconductor stocks hardest hit
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
U.S. stocks fell on the 18th as rising oil prices amid escalating Middle East tensions and a sharp jump in Treasury yields weighed on major indexes. Semiconductor shares were hit particularly hard, and risk aversion strengthened, especially among technology stocks.
Jane Street posts a $15 billion loss in July, exposing risks as the line between market makers and hedge funds disappears
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Jane Street posted a massive $15 billion loss in July, raising questions about the blending of market-making operations and directional risk. The episode is emblematic of increasingly blurred boundaries between roles in the financial industry.
Global bond-market turmoil widens! 10-year Treasury yield surges to 4.75%, a 19-month high
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
The yield on 10-year U.S. Treasury notes reached 4.75%, its highest level in 19 months. Inflation concerns and worsening Middle East tensions are behind the rise, which is spreading across global bond markets.
Automatically switches for users under 18! OpenAI launches a teen version of ChatGPT
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
OpenAI introduced a “teen version of ChatGPT” for users aged 13–17. It automatically switches modes based on age detection and strengthens learning support and parental controls, addressing concerns about AI's effects on children.
Should interest rates be raised or not? Bond market challenges the Federal Reserve
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
A “betting against” phenomenon has emerged in Wall Street financial markets. Although analysts consider a Federal Reserve rate hike in September unlikely, the bond market is signaling expectations of a hike. The 30-year Treasury yield hit its highest level since 2007, reflecting concerns about inflation and economic shocks.
Taiwan’s AI application intensity falls, the only decline among 4 Asian markets; TAITRA: AI will move beyond production lines and into the physical world
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
外貿協會 Chairman James Huang said that although Taiwan is a major AI hardware hub, its AI application intensity was the only one to decline among 4 Asian markets. Taiwan is now “a giant in hardware, a dwarf in applications,” mainly because businesses lack clear demand for applications.
Easing U.S. inflation lowered the probability of a Federal Reserve rate hike in September to 30%. In response, the number of beneficiaries in the high-yield bond ETF “00985D” rose 23.5%, signaling growing market interest.
Nvidia’s edge goes beyond GPUs! AI moat extends to Wall Street, with capital becoming a new weapon
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
With its formidable financial strength, Nvidia is extending its AI moat from GPUs into finance. A $500 billion financing plan and $105 billion in support commitments are strengthening its leading position in the AI ecosystem.
乾瞻科技 (7898-TW) saw the number of new IP licenses in the first half of this year rise 80% year over year amid demand for AI infrastructure. Data center-related licenses accounted for 88%, as the company expands in North America, Japan and South Korea.
Consumers seek discounts and resist price hikes as UK grocery inflation falls to 2-year low
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
UK grocery inflation fell to 2.1%, its lowest level in 2 years. Consumers are increasingly seeking discounts, while unusually high temperatures have driven a sharp rise in demand for frozen treats and sunscreen.
〈Lianjun earnings call〉“Shortage” to define AI optical communications supply chain in coming years; COSA lines at full capacity as expansion continues
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Optical communications stock 聯鈞 (3450-TW) held an earnings call today. General Manager Song Tianzeng said shortages will persist across the AI optical communications supply chain. COSA capacity is rapidly expanding to meet demand, with capital expenditure reaching NT$1.6 billion.
WPG sees stronger second half, estimates memory shortage will last at least through first half of next year
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
WPG Holdings sees AI and memory shortages driving demand, expects revenue to grow in the third quarter and the second half to outperform the first half, and forecasts that memory supply shortages will continue at least through the first half of 2025. This is an important outlook from a major Taiwanese semiconductor distributor.
Iran says it will continue blocking Strait of Hormuz unless U.S. fulfills terms of agreement
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Iran announced it would continue the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz unless the United States meets the terms of the interim talks in June. This has major implications for international energy supplies and geopolitical stability.
禾伸堂 reports July net profit up 2 times year over year, EPS of NT$1.39
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Holy Stone reported July net profit of NT$230 million, up 206% year over year. The increase was driven by rising demand for MLCCs used in AI server power supplies.
和亞智慧科技 focuses on semiconductor, optical and unmanned vehicle applications, plans September listing on the emerging stock market
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
和亞智慧科技 received OTC approval and plans to list on the emerging stock market in September. The company focuses on semiconductors, optics and unmanned vehicles, with AI algorithms as its core technology, and is showing strong growth momentum.
NDC leads 46 startups eastward! Tokyo hub expands operations on the 20th, linking Taiwan, Japan and U.S. AI and semiconductor ecosystems
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
NDC Minister Yeh Chun-hsien led 46 Taiwanese startups to Tokyo and announced that Startup Island TAIWAN’s Tokyo hub would expand operations on August 20, strengthening ecosystem ties among Taiwan, Japan and the U.S. in AI and semiconductors.
Lai Ching-te: Use carbon fee system as an incentive to cut emissions and help industries upgrade; pursue net-zero transition with three principles
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te announced industry support measures using a carbon-pricing system to help achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. He emphasized a transition based on the twin pillars of digitalization and green development, along with financial support, to strengthen the international competitiveness of Taiwan's industries.
Enjoy the sea, stay by the lakeside, and travel your own way as a family. The “Makino MegRia” circular-tour and stay project connecting Obama and Takashima gets underway
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Summary not yet available
Facts
遊幸丸 is a fishing boat that has operated in Wakasa Bay for 25 years
AI coaching app “A Notebook for Talking to Yourself” visualizes “values” in 8 colors｜Compatible with iPhone and Android
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Summary not yet available
Facts
The iOS version launched on the App Store in July 2026, followed by the Android version on Google Play in August
The app comprises 8 axes (contribution/helpfulness; freedom/flexibility; challenge/achievement; enjoyment; growth/learning; stability/security; sincerity/trust; and connection) and 16 types derived from them
A large-scale validation of the revised version (Schwartz & Cieciuch, 2021) replicated the circular ordering of values using data from 53,472 people across 49 cultural groups.
Kawachinagano’s last all-you-can-eat yakitori!! “焼き鳥ランド河内長野” closes for good!! All-you-can-eat yakitori in Kawachinagano will be gone after August 31. A closing appreciation sale will also be held, with drinks at special prices!!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Summary not yet available
Facts
All-you-can-eat authentic yakitori for 3,300 yen
More than 60 varieties are available in the all-you-can-eat menu
Yamatokoriyama’s last all-you-can-eat yakitori!! “焼き鳥ランド大和郡山” closes for good!! As a final appreciation sale, all-you-can-eat yakitori will be 10% off. All-you-can-eat yakitori in Yamatokoriyama will be gone after August 31.