EZ News 12/19/25

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 217-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 27,685 on turnover of $8.7-billion N-T. The market lost ground on Thursday as renewed concerns about an artificial intelligence bubble drove Wall Street down overnight. Analysts say renewed fears over an A-I bubble triggered selling in large-cap AI-related stocks and investors seized on the lead as an excuse (藉口) to pocket recent gains. However, the Tai-Ex still recovered from its initial downturn by the end of the session and the index saw strong technical support ahead of the 27,400-point mark - which is around the 60-day moving average. Central bank leaves interest rates unchanged for 7th straight quarter The central bank has opted to leave its key interest rates unchanged after wrapping up (結束) it final quarterly policymaking meeting of this year. The market had widely anticipated the bank would leave interest rates unchanged for the seventh consecutive quarter - despite the U-S Federal Reserve cutting rates for the third straight policymaking meeting last week. The decision by the central bank means that the discount rate remains at 2-percent and that's still the highest level in 15 years. Economists have said it's currently difficult for the central bank to follow the U-S Fed's lead and cut interest rates as the local economy remains strong and inflation stable. According to government estimates, the island's economy will grow 7.37-per cent for the whole of this year, largely on the back of an increase of 8.21-per cent in the third quarter due strong global demand for artificial intelligence applications. EU Delays FTA with SAmerican Countries Amid Protests The European Commission says the European Union is delaying a massive free-trade deal with South American countries after fiery protests by farmers and last-minute opposition by France and Italy. Top EU officials had hoped to sign the EU-Mercosur in Brazil this weekend, after more than 25 years of negotiations. Instead Commission chief spokesperson Paula Pinho confirmed that the signature had been put off until January. Experts say the delay will dent the EU’s negotiating credibility globally as it seeks to forge (創造) new trade ties amid commercial tensions with the U.S. and China. USTrump signs executive order that could reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order labeling (標示，標籤) marijuana a less dangerous drug. AP Washington correspondent Sagar Meghani reports Italy Monument Outside PM Office Restored Italian restorers have used laser beams to clean an ancient Roman marble column in the piazza outside the prime minister’s office, removing layers of dust and grime that had covered the monument for decades. The 47-meter-tall column, built between A.D. 180 and 193, features a relief that spirals (盤旋上升) upward and recounts the battles of one of Rome’s best-known emperors, Marcus Aurelius. During the column’s last restoration, in the 1980s, restorers used tiny brushes to remove the dirt. The $2.3-million dollar restoration is funded by the post-pandemic European recovery fund, and includes a new system to illuminate (照亮) the column at night. Work began in April and the restoration (恢復) is expected to finish in June. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn