EZ News 05/12/23

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. **Tai-Ex opening ** The Tai-Ex opened down 38-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 15,477 on turnover of $2.5-billion N-T. The market lost ground on Thursday despite making early gains, as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing saw its share price drop below 500 N-T on the back of concerns over over ongoing inventory (存貨) adjustments in the global tech industry. Although lower-than-expected U-S inflation data for April raised hopes that the America's central bank will not raise its key interest rates next month, investor sentiment remains haunted by a weakening global economy …. .. which pushed down the bellwether electronics sector and economy stocks during the trading day. **Costco Releases Compensation Plan for Berry Contamination ** Costco Taiwan has released a compensation package for customers who had purchased Kirkland Signature brand frozen mixed berry products that have been found to be contaminated (污染) with the hepatitis A virus. According to the plan, Costco members who bought the frozen berries at its Kaohsiung warehouse will be offered a full refund plus a consolation equivalent to the refund amount. Costco will also offer a subsidy of 500 N-T to any members who developed hepatitis A symptoms after consuming the contaminated frozen berries. That money can be used to pay for testing at healthcare facilities designated by the Centers for Disease Control and Costco says it will also pay the full medical bills of any member diagnosed with hepatitis A that could be traced to the contaminated berry products. **UN Adopts Resolution on Sudan ** The top U.N. human rights body has adopted a resolution concerning mounting (增長) civilian deaths and rights abuses in Sudan since a bloody conflict erupted between the African country’s two top generals last month. Member states of the Human Rights Council narrowly passed on Thursday the resolution with 18 states voting in favor, 15 against and 14 other nations abstaining. The main co-sponsors of the draft resolution were all European, in addition to the United States. The conflict erupted in mid-April between the chief of Sudan’s military, and a rival general who commands a powerful paramilitary group. So far, the violence has killed more than 600 people, and displaced hundreds of thousands. **China Pledges Trade Dialogue with Australia ** China says it’s committed to improving relations with Australia, ahead of a meeting in Beijing between the countries’ Trade and Commerce Ministers. Richard Kimber reports from Hong Kong. **French Prosecutors Sending Former President to Trial ** French prosecutors are seeking to send former President Nicolas Sarkozy to trial on charges that he received millions in illegal campaign financing from the government of late Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi. The French national financial prosecutor’s office announced its decision Friday to seek a trial after a decade (十年) of investigation. Twelve others are also charged. It is now up to judges to determine whether to move ahead. 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