EZ News 07/18/25

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 232-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 23,346 on turnover of $9.8-billion N-T. Shares in Taiwan closed slightly higher Thursday as contract chipmaker TSMC moved in a narrow rage ahead of an investor conference slated to open after the trading session. Analysts say investors remained cautious before the chipmaker gave guidance for the third quarter, and it was no surprise that the Taiex fell into consolidation mode throughout the session. Attention shifted to select old economy stocks and the buying provided some support to the broader market. 5 arrested on suspicion of money laundering via virtual accounts The Criminal Investigation Bureau says it had busted a money laundering ring and arrested five people suspected of using e-commerce platforms to conceal (隱藏) the flow of illicit funds. The CIB says the raid and arrests followed an investigation of suspicious financial flows, facilitated by illegal third-party payment providers and a gambling syndicate (聯合組織). Investigators say the money laundering ring was essentially providing "real-time payment services" for a gambling syndicate involving about $30-billion NT over a one-year period. After months of surveillance and investigation, the CIB task force launched a coordinated raid of the two third-party payment companies on March 13-th and arrested five suspects. They were handed over to the New Taipei District Prosecutors Office on charges that included fraud and money laundering. Trump denies plans to fire Fed Chair Powell Donald Trump has denied he plans to fire the head of the US central bank Jerome Powell. The president has reportedly drafted a letter of termination (解僱) for the Federal Reserve chairman, but is now walking back claims he's planning to let him go. Kate Fisher reports from Washington. UN Chief Wants More Progress from Cyprus Talks The United Nations chief says he would have liked more results from his meetings with the rival leaders of divided Cyprus. The Turkish Cypriot leader said Thursday that he was “very, very upset” that there was no agreement on opening four new border crossings. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the meetings “constructive” (建設性的) and pointed to progress on four of the six initiatives the leaders agreed to in March. But he cautioned that “there’s a long road ahead.” The Mediterranean island was divided in 1974 when Turkey invaded following a coup by supporters of uniting the island with Greece. Only Turkey recognizes a Turkish Cypriot declaration of independence, and it maintains more than 35,000 troops in the island’s northern third. Brazil Lower House Passes Controversial Environmental Legislation Brazil’s lower house has passed a controversial bill that overhauls environmental legislation. The bill simplifies environmental licensing, allowing companies to self-declare compliance (遵守) online. Environmental experts warn this could increase pollution, deforestation, and water scarcity while threatening protected areas. Over 300 non-profits, including Greenpeace and WWF Brazil, have opposed the bill, calling it a major setback. The legislation now awaits President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s decision to either approve or veto it, fully or partially. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn