CONFIDENCE GAUGE:
Oil prices, easing Middle East tensions and stock gains lifted sentiment, but economists warned that market optimism remains fragile in Taiwan
By Crystal Hsu
/ Staff reporter
Taiwan’s consumer confidence rebounded this month to its highest level in four months as the apparent easing of Middle East tensions, lower oil prices and a resilient stock market improved sentiment toward the economy and household finances, although economists warned that investor optimism remains vulnerable to market swings.The consumer confidence index (CCI) rose 2.97 points from a month earlier to 65.05, the highest reading since March, according to a survey released yesterday by National Central University’s Research Center for Taiwan Economic Development.All six components of the index improved from the previous month, including stock investment prospects, price expectations, household finances, economic conditions, employment opportunities and durable goods purchases, the research center said.
