EZ News 08/18/26

Good afternoon, I'm _ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 65-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 45,922 on turnover of 8.4-billion N-T. The market closed slightly higher, but on reduced turnover on Monday as investors appeared reluctant to chase prices amid concerns of a major pullback and instead opted to lock-in early gains in large-cap tech stocks. Premier Cho declines to countersign child savings legislation Premier Cho Jung-tai has refused to countersign the Special Act on Taiwan Future Accounts. The Act which was passed by lawmakers in July. According to the Cabinet, Cho is refusing to sign the Act due to violations of constitutional principles and due to concerns that it could allow wealthier families to accumulate larger amounts and ultimately (最終) widen the wealth gap, violating the principle of proportionality (比例原則 ， 相稱性原則). Cabinet spokeswoman Michelle Lee says the government will instead continue implementing the family support measures it approved in May. It's the sixth time since December 2025 that the Premier has refused to countersign legislation. Taiwan and New Zealand announce six areas for deeper economic cooperation Taiwan and New Zealand have agreed on six areas for closer cooperation over the next three years. The agreement was reached during a joint committee meeting to review the implementation (執行) results of the Agreement between New Zealand and the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu on Economic Cooperation. That agreement has been in effect since December 2013. According to the Ministry of Economic Affairs, delegates at the 13th ANZTEC Joint Committee meeting discussed the results of the implementation of previous provisions such as food safety inspections and plant quarantine, e-commerce and intellectual property. The ministry says members of Taiwan delegation also voiced their hopes that reviews concerning the agreement's growth will continue. US Senator to Introduce Resolution Barring MIlitary Action Against Oman Senator Tim Kaine, a Democrat from Virginia, has announced plans to introduce a resolution barring military action against Oman when the US Senate returns from its August recess. It's a direct response to US President Donald Trump's threat to bomb the Gulf state if it interferes (幹擾) in a deal over control of the Strait of Hormuz. The threat came as a 60-day deadline for a wider peace deal between Washington and Tehran expired on Monday without agreement, with no concrete plans (具體計畫，實質規畫) to end the 24-week war. The White House says it is now shifting to what it calls an economic pressure campaign, with a fresh round of sanctions expected in the coming days. James Gooderson reports from Washington. Brazil President Warms to Oil Drilling in Northern Coastal Regions Brazil’s President Lula da Silva says oil drilling in northern coastal regions could be a "passport to the country’s future." He visited a Petrobras offshore drilling vessel on Monday, following a find announced last week near the Amazon River. Petrobras detected hydrocarbons off Amapa state, suggesting significant (重要的，有份量的) reserves. Lula emphasizes Brazil's commitment to biofuel innovation and renewable energy. He faces a tight election in October and is balancing drilling with alternative energy efforts. The region could hold up to 10 billion barrels of oil. Lula's announcement aligns with his election campaign, aiming to gain support in northern Brazil. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 準備賣房嗎？ 即日起至12月31日， 把房屋專任委託給台南住商不動產，即可參加「好友五吉」抽獎活動，賣房抽五機~有機會抽中最新 iPhone 18！ 錦上添花, 好運大獎拿不完! 詳情請洽台南住商任一加盟店。 https://sofm.pse.is/9krz5e -- Hosting provided by SoundOn