AI Industry Surge and TSMC's Potential Intel Investment Spark Optimism Across Asia On February 17, 2025, Asian stock markets showed positive movement, fueled by the excitement surrounding the booming artificial intelligence (AI) sector and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s (TSMC) possible investment in U.S.-based Intel. These factors contributed to growth in the stock markets of both China and Taiwan. In mainland China, the Shanghai Composite Index closed at 3,355.83, reflecting a modest 0.27% increase compared to the previous day. This rise came as a result of sustained investor enthusiasm for AI technologies, which have shown strong growth potential. According to a report from Goldman Sachs, investors are recalibrating their expectations for China’s AI growth and its economic benefits. The meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and key leaders from major tech firms further emphasized the government’s commitment to advancing the country’s technological sector. Th...

Interest rates surge as Japan's central bank continues policy tightening Japan's domestic banks have seen new lending rates reach their highest levels in 12 years, driven by a series of interest rate hikes by the Bank of Japan (BOJ). According to a report by Nikkei on February 14, 2025, the average interest rate for new loans by Japanese banks in December 2024 reached 1.132%, marking the highest level since April 2013. The rising rates are a direct result of the BOJ's policy decisions, which have been pushing up borrowing costs for businesses and individuals alike. The most significant increases have been observed in short-term lending rates. In December 2024, the average rate for new short-term loans at nationwide banks jumped from 0.495% in November to 0.668%, while regional banks saw even larger increases, from 0.574% to 1.054% over the same period. This uptick in borrowing costs comes after the BOJ raised its short-term policy rate in January, following its first rate ...