Taiwan Economy

Business

TSMC Founder Morris Chang Breaks Year-Long Public Silence at Taipei Dinner with Nvidia's Jensen Huang

Morris Chang, the 94-year-old founder of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., made his first public appearance in over a year at a private dinner in Taipei with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. The meeting, which ended months of speculation about Chang's health and public role, also served as a platform to reaffirm TSMC's central position in the global chip supply chain.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Seeking Stability in Uncertain Times: Top European Dividend Picks for February 2026

Amid a cautiously recovering Eurozone economy, dividend-paying stocks are gaining attention from investors seeking reliable income and a buffer against market volatility. We analyze three standout European companies offering compelling yield and value.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Insider Confidence: Three Global Growth Stocks Where Leadership Holds Major Stakes

Amidst a cautious market climate, companies with substantial insider ownership often signal strong internal conviction. We examine three such firms—spanning South Korean tourism, Chinese sensors, and Taiwanese biopharma—where executives and directors have significant skin in the game.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Beyond the Headlines: Three Under-the-Radar Stocks Gaining Investor Attention

While major indices grapple with uncertainty, a search for value is leading some investors to overlooked companies with strong fundamentals. We examine three such firms from Taiwan and Japan that are posting impressive growth despite sector headwinds.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Industrial Sector Outperforms: Two Stocks Poised for Growth, One Faces Headwinds

While often operating behind the scenes, industrial companies are the engine of the U.S. economy. Bolstered by a favorable interest rate environment, the sector has surged 18.8% in the last six months, significantly outpacing the S&P 500. We analyze two firms with durable competitive edges and one that may be losing momentum.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Singapore Charts New Frontier: National Space Agency to Launch Amid Global Investment Boom

Singapore will establish its National Space Agency on April 1st, aiming to leverage its technological prowess to secure a strategic position in the rapidly expanding global space economy, as global investments continue to soar.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Europe's $955 Billion Recovery Fund Faces Uphill Battle to Deliver Lasting Economic Transformation

As the EU's landmark 'Next Generation' fund nears its final payout deadlines, its ambitious goal of modernizing the bloc's economy is being hampered by bureaucracy, skills gaps, and questions over long-term sustainability, despite pockets of innovation.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Hong Kong Tightens Regulatory Grip on Major Payment Networks

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority has detailed its enhanced oversight framework for key retail payment systems, designating networks like Visa, Mastercard, and UnionPay for direct supervision to ensure security and stability in the city's rapidly digitizing economy.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Analysts Bullish on Applied Materials as Chip Spending Surge Lifts Equipment Giant

Driven by a global wave of semiconductor investment, Applied Materials (AMAT) has received a series of analyst upgrades. Mizuho and Deutsche Bank are among those highlighting the company's strategic position to benefit from expansive fab construction in the U.S., Taiwan, and Japan, and its key role in next-generation chip technologies.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

LyondellBasell Navigates 'Most Challenging' Petrochemical Downturn, Leans on Cost Cuts and Cash Discipline

Facing what its CEO calls one of the industry's toughest cycles, LyondellBasell reported weathering 2025 through aggressive cost control and working capital management. The chemical giant outlined a path to generate an additional $1.3 billion in cash by end-2026, even as it prepares to divest European assets and scales back circular economy spending.

Jan 31, 2026

Business

First Hawaiian Bank Navigates Shifting Tides: Q4 2025 Shows Strength, 2026 Outlook Cautious Amid Rate Uncertainty

First Hawaiian Bank reported a solid fourth quarter, driven by net interest margin expansion and loan growth, while outlining a cautious 2026 outlook. Executives highlighted Hawaii's resilient economy and strong credit quality, alongside a new, flexible $250 million share buyback program.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

TSMC Unveils Landmark $165 Billion Investment Plan for Arizona Semiconductor Hub

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) announces a historic $165 billion investment to expand its advanced chipmaking facilities in Arizona, marking a significant deepening of U.S.-Taiwan economic and strategic ties.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Navigating the Financial Sector: Two Stocks to Watch, One to Avoid Amid Policy Uncertainty

While the financial sector remains the economy's cornerstone, policy headwinds have capped its recent performance. We analyze one credit rater and a fintech disruptor that show resilience, alongside a legacy asset manager facing challenges.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

TSMC's Arizona Megafab Signals AI Boom, But Investors Question Valuation Amid Massive Expansion

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company's planned Arizona gigafab cluster, backed by a US$250 billion U.S.-Taiwan initiative, underscores its pivotal role in powering the AI revolution while raising questions about capital intensity and long-term returns in the reshoring era.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Venezuela Overhauls Oil Laws, Throws Open Doors to Foreign Investment

In a landmark shift, Venezuela's parliament has passed sweeping reforms to its hydrocarbons law, aiming to lure private capital into its crippled oil industry. The move, backed by a new U.S. license, signals a potential turning point for the nation's economy.

Jan 30, 2026

World

UK-China Trade Breakthrough: Scotch Whisky Tariffs Halved as New Deal Takes Effect

A landmark trade agreement secured during Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to Beijing will see Chinese import duties on Scotch whisky cut from 10% to 5%, effective immediately. The move, hailed by industry leaders, is projected to inject £250 million into the UK economy and boost competitiveness in a key growth market.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Corebridge Financial Taps Into Tech and Bitcoin Trends with New Annuity Product, But Is the Stock a Buy?

Corebridge Financial (CRBG) has launched a novel index annuity linked to the Invesco New Economy Index, offering exposure to tech themes and Bitcoin. The move comes as analysts debate whether the company's current share price fully reflects its growth potential amid mixed recent performance.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

ECB Holds Steady Amid Dollar Weakness and Lingering Trade Tensions

As the European Central Bank prepares for its February meeting, policymakers are navigating a stronger euro driven by a weakening dollar and geopolitical uncertainty, while assessing the resilience of the eurozone economy.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

TSMC Shares Soar to Record Peak Amid AI Boom, Fueling Investor Debate

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) reaches unprecedented market valuation following robust quarterly earnings, driven by insatiable demand for advanced AI chips. Analysts weigh whether the rally still has room to run.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

KKR-Led Consortium Nears $10 Billion Takeover of Singapore's STT GDC in Major Asia Data Infrastructure Play

A KKR-led group is finalizing a deal to acquire Singapore-based data centre operator STT GDC, a move that underscores the intense global competition for digital infrastructure assets as AI-driven demand surges across Asia.

Feb 2, 2026