EZ News 01/05/22

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened up 85-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 14,285 on turnover of 2.5-billion N-T. The market closed slightly lower on Wednesday, as investor sentiment was hit by lingering concerns over a possible recession (經濟衰退) as major central banks around the world are continuing aggressive rate hikes. Buying rotated to the financial sector throughout much of the trading day, providing some support to the broader market to offset losses suffered by select large tech stocks, in particular those in the semiconductor industry. **Living Allowances for Disadvantaged Families Extended Through 2023 ** The Cabinet has extend the monthly living allowance of 750 N-T and 500 N-T for individuals in low income and middle-to-low income households for an additional year until the end of 2023. According to the Cabinet, the Ministry of Health will coordinate with local authorities to ensure eligible (有資格的) recipients receive the allowance for January before the Lunar New Year holiday. The living allowance plan is part of the government's coronavirus relief measures. A monthly cash payment of 750 N-T is given to those in low-income households and 500 N-T is given to individuals in middle-to-low income households. Those payments are on top of any existing allowances covering education, health insurance, housing and other related expenses. **Former NATO Head Touts Visit as a "Show of Support for Taiwan" ** Former NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen says his visit to Taiwan this week is a show of "strong support" for the island's self-determination and democracy. Speaking during a meeting with President Tsai Ing-wen, Rasmussen said he's in Taiwan to show his support for the island's rights to decide the future of Taiwan for itself and to show support for its right to "exist (存在) in freedom and peace." The former NATO head arrived in Taiwan on Tuesday for a three-day trip and is visiting in his capacity as the founder of the Denmark-based Alliance of Democracies Foundation. **US McCarthy Loses 6th US Speaker Vote ** After six rounds of voting the US House of Representatives has still not agreed on a new House Speaker. Republican Kevin McCarthy has been repeatedly (反复) blocked from winning the majority of the votes by a group of hardliners (強硬派) in his own party. It's the first time in a hundred that the House has been unable to elect a Speaker. Nick Harper reports from Washington. **Australia to Buy US Missile and Rocket Systems ** Australia announced Thursday it will boost its defense capabilities by buying advanced missile and rocket systems. The purchase includes U.S.-made HIMARS which have been successfully used by Ukraine’s military. The Australian government said the HIMARS it was buying included launchers, missiles and training rockets and would be in use by 2026. It said the system had a range of 300 kilometers, which may improve (提升、改進)with technological advances. It also signed a contract with Norway-based Kongsberg to buy new missiles for navy destroyers and frigates. That was the I.C.R.T. news, Check in again tomorrow for our simplified version of the news, uploaded every day in the afternoon. Enjoy the rest of your day, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn