EZ News 12/15/23

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 40-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 17,693 on turnover of $4.5-billion N-T. The Tai-Ex gained more than 180 points on Thursday to close above the 17,600-point mark and hit its highest level since March of 2022 - as investors reacted positively to a decision by the U-S Federal Reserve on interest rates. Large-cap stocks, in particular those in the bellwether electronics sector, led the main board higher, while buying also spread to the non-tech sector -- with financial heavyweights posting strong gains and helping to boost the wider market. Quarantine Agency to Increase Inspections on Custard Apple Exports The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Agency says it is stepping-up quarantine sampling of custard apple exports to China. The move comes amid reports that pests have being detected (檢測到) in a recent container of custard apples exported to China. It was the first since Beijing resumed allowing the import of Taiwan custard apple after suspending imports of one variety (種類) of the fruits in September of 2021 due to pest concerns. The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Agency says it is currently unable to confirm what type of pests were detected, as China has not issued any official documentation about the incident. Putin Not Giving Up on Ukraine War Russian President Vladimir Putin says Russia will not give up its fight in Ukraine. AP Washington correspondent Sagar Meghani reports. EU to Open Accession to Ukraine and Moldova In related news…. The European Union has decided to open accession (加入) negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova. European Council President Charles Michel called it “a clear signal of hope for their people and our continent.” The decision was announced at a summit of the leaders of the 27 EU countries Thursday. Although the process between opening negotiations and Ukraine finally becoming a member could take many years, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the agreement as “a victory for Ukraine. A victory for all of Europe.” Left on the summit agenda now is a promise to give Ukraine $50-billion euros in financial aid to stave off Russia's invasion. Japanese Satellite Launch from NZ California-based Rocket Lab plans to launch a Japanese satellite today from the space company's complex on New Zealand’s Mahia Peninsula. The mission was initially scheduled for Wednesday but was postponed due to forecast strong winds until today. Rocket Lab says the Electron rocket will carry a TSUKUYOMI-I satellite into orbit on behalf of a Japanese start-up Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space Inc. The synthetic-aperture radar satellite will collect (收集) images of the Earth. The mission would be Rocket Lab’s 10th for 2023, exceeding its annual record of nine set last year. 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