EZ News 12/04/23

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 12-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 17,451 on turnover of $2.8-billion N-T. The market closed little changed last Friday after recovering from earlier losses, as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing recovered from its previous weakness. However, the electronics sector remained muted, as investors took their cue from the downturn suffered by tech stocks on Wall Street overnight, while buying rotated to select old economy industries, providing support to the broader market. Value of Taiwan's Top 25 Brands up 5% The Ministry of Economic Affairs says the combined brand value of Taiwan's 25 most valuable brands has risen by 5-per cent so far this year. According to the ministry's 2023 Best Taiwan Global Brands survey, the aggregate (總計的) brand value of Taiwan's 25 largest brands totaled 13.84-billion U-S in 2023. That marks the fourth consecutive year of the total value surpassing the 10-billion U-S dollar mark. The ministry says despite the global economy facing headwinds, which has impacted demand, the brands remained resilient. Asustek Computer remains in the No. 1 spot. Trend Micro took second place with its brand value rising 5-per cent from a year earlier. While MediaTek was third, after seeing its its brand value rising 33-per cent from a year earlier. US warships, commercial ships under attack The Pentagon says one of its warships as well as multiple (多個) commercial ships came under attack in the Red Sea. Sally Patterson reports. ICC Vows to Intensify Investigations into IsraelHamas War The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court says his office will “further intensify its efforts to advance its investigations” of possible crimes by Hamas and Israeli forces. His statement Sunday came after he visited the region for the first time since his appointment. There have been widespread claims of breaches of international law by Hamas and Israeli forces since the deadly Oct. 7 attacks by Palestinian militants set off the bloody Israel-Hamas war. The Hague-based court has been investigating crimes in the Palestinian territories committed by both sides since 2021 but has yet to announce (宣告) any charges. Israel is not a member of the court and does not recognize its jurisdiction. Indonesia Mt Marapi Eruption Indonesia’s Mount Marapi has erupted and is spewing (噴出) white-and-gray ash plumes more than 3-thousand meters into the air. No casualties have been reported. Two routes for climbers were closed after the eruption Sunday and about 1,400 people living on the mountain's slopes were advised to stay away from the crater’s mouth because of potential (可能的) lava. About 70 climbers started up the mountain Saturday and became stranded. So far, 49 have been evacuated with the rest still awaiting rescue. Several villages were blanketed with falling ash that blocked sunlight, and authorities distributed masks and urged residents to wear glasses to protect them from volcanic ash. 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