🔥 Top Stories
Micron Technology reported quarterly revenue guidance that exceeded Wall Street expectations, driven by robust demand for memory chips from AI infrastructure investments. The positive outlook boosted the company's after-hours stock price by over 15%, reflecting market optimism about continued growth in the AI sector and its impact on semiconductor demand.
China has recently increased deployment of coast guard vessels to Taiwan's eastern waters for law enforcement operations, prompting concern from the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Germany. The American Institute in Taiwan stated that China's actions seriously undermine regional stability. China's assertion of jurisdiction over waters Taiwan has peacefully managed for over seventy years will only escalate tensions. The US urged Beijing to change course.
A baseball coach at a Taichung elementary school was convicted of sexually assaulting and indecently assaulting 53 students over his six-year tenure starting in 2018. In the first wave of charges involving 32 students with 90 counts, he received a combined sentence of 464 years. In the second wave involving 10 students with 22 sexual assault counts, he was sentenced to an additional 19 years yesterday. The coach had prior indecent conduct convictions before his employment.
Japan's government unveiled a public-private investment roadmap on the 24th, committing over 370 trillion yen (approximately 74 trillion Taiwan dollars) over 15 years through March 2041. The initiative targets 17 key sectors including artificial intelligence and semiconductors, aiming to strengthen Japan's economic competitiveness through collaborative innovation between government and private enterprises.
According to Financial Times reporting, the EU, Netherlands, Germany, and Greece have joined the US-led Silicon Initiative. The initiative aims to strengthen Western nations' autonomy in artificial intelligence supply chains and reduce reliance on Chinese semiconductors. This move reflects Western countries' efforts to enhance strategic independence amid intensifying global technology competition.
🏛 Politics
China has recently increased deployment of coast guard vessels to Taiwan's eastern waters for law enforcement operations, prompting concern from the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Germany. The American Institute in Taiwan stated that China's actions seriously undermine regional stability. China's assertion of jurisdiction over waters Taiwan has peacefully managed for over seventy years will only escalate tensions. The US urged Beijing to change course.
A baseball coach at a Taichung elementary school was convicted of sexually assaulting and indecently assaulting 53 students over his six-year tenure starting in 2018. In the first wave of charges involving 32 students with 90 counts, he received a combined sentence of 464 years. In the second wave involving 10 students with 22 sexual assault counts, he was sentenced to an additional 19 years yesterday. The coach had prior indecent conduct convictions before his employment.
A second wave of charges against a Taichung coach resulted in a 19-year sentence, with a third case still under review. The Democratic Progressive Party caucus in Taichung City Council questions why the municipal government claims no negligence despite successive heavy judicial sentences and a Control Yuan correction. The Education Bureau stated it has strengthened screening procedures for unsuitable personnel while respecting judicial proceedings.
Common Sense Beauty Group CEO Chang Ju-shan faces prosecution for allegedly attempting sexual assault against a female acquaintance and subsequently violating a protection order. Taipei District Prosecutors' Office found that Chang continued to harass the victim despite an existing protection order. Prosecutors have indicted him on charges of attempted rape and violation of the protection order, seeking severe punishment. The case emerged before his clinic became involved in a voyeurism scandal.
Wu Wan-ting, executive director of Taipei International School in Taichung, and her husband Yuan Chang-ping, founder of Leopard King restaurant chain, were arrested on suspicion of embezzling school and company assets. Following a second search on the 23rd, the Taichung District Prosecutors Office determined they committed serious offenses including breach of public trust and occupational embezzlement. Both were detained and remanded in custody by Taichung District Court.
Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim responded to being labeled a "stubborn Taiwan independence activist" by the Chinese Communist Party during an interview with a U.S. media outlet. She firmly stated that Taiwan will not allow the CCP to define who Taiwanese people are, characterizing such measures as intimidation tactics aimed at obstructing Taiwan's development. She emphasized Taiwan's resolve against Beijing's pressure.
President Trump announced he will refuse to sign a bipartisan housing bill until Congress passes the SAVE America Act, which aims to reform U.S. elections and strengthen voter eligibility requirements. Trump is using the housing bill as leverage to pressure Congress to prioritize voting reform legislation before addressing other legislative priorities.
US Secretary of State Rubio stated that International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors should be granted prompt access to Iranian nuclear facilities for inspections under the US-Iran agreement. He also emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz should remain open to free passage without tolls.
US Treasury Secretary Bessent indicated that ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran include integrating Iran into the dollar system and invoicing its oil sales in US dollars. This potential shift would represent a significant change in Iran's long-standing approach to circumventing US sanctions and mark a major development in bilateral relations.
According to Financial Times reporting, the EU, Netherlands, Germany, and Greece have joined the US-led Silicon Initiative. The initiative aims to strengthen Western nations' autonomy in artificial intelligence supply chains and reduce reliance on Chinese semiconductors. This move reflects Western countries' efforts to enhance strategic independence amid intensifying global technology competition.
💰 Finance
International oil prices declined today as preliminary progress in peace negotiations between the United States and Iran, combined with increased tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, eased market concerns about supply shortages. The price movement reflects improved market sentiment regarding global energy supply prospects.
Micron Technology reported quarterly revenue guidance that exceeded Wall Street expectations, driven by robust demand for memory chips from AI infrastructure investments. The positive outlook boosted the company's after-hours stock price by over 15%, reflecting market optimism about continued growth in the AI sector and its impact on semiconductor demand.
Taiwan's National Health Insurance Administration released the 2027 budget proposal with growth rate estimates of 5.5% (high) and 2.619% (low). Under both scenarios, the total budget will exceed one trillion NT dollars without affecting premiums. The proposal will be submitted to the Executive Yuan for review, with negotiations scheduled for September.
S&P Dow Jones Indices announced that Alphabet will replace Verizon Communications in the Dow Jones Industrial Average effective June 29. The adjustment signals the benchmark index's continued shift toward artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and the digital economy. Following the announcement, Alphabet's stock rose 0.3% in pre-market trading, while Verizon declined 0.55%. The Dow Jones Index comprises 30 major U.S. companies spanning technology, finance, industry, healthcare, and consumer sectors.
The US Department of Energy announced on the 24th a conditional loan program totaling $17.5 billion to assist utilities and energy companies in procuring critical nuclear power components. The initiative aims to strengthen America's commercial nuclear supply chain, accelerate new nuclear plant construction, and support the largest nuclear expansion project in over 30 years.
SpaceX announced on the 23rd the launch of a bond issuance program targeting at least $25 billion in funding. This marks the company's first investment-grade dollar bond offering, primarily aimed at financing its artificial intelligence expansion plans. The move reflects SpaceX's strategic investment needs in the AI sector.
A severe heatwave sweeping across Europe has triggered high temperature alerts in multiple countries, with France experiencing a major blackout on the 24th. The extreme heat increases electricity demand while reducing power generation capacity, putting strain on the grid and causing significant price volatility.
Brent crude oil prices dropped below $75 per barrel for the first time since Iran conflict escalation, reflecting market expectations that more tankers will transit the Strait of Hormuz and global oil supply will gradually recover. Iran has committed to not charging passage fees for vessels transiting the strategic waterway.
Alphabet will be added to the Dow Jones Industrial Average effective before market open on June 29, replacing telecommunications company Verizon. This change reflects the index's adjustment to align with technology stocks' dominance in the U.S. market, strengthening its exposure to artificial intelligence, cloud infrastructure, and digital advertising. Four major tech giants—Nvidia, Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft—are already included in the index.
Japan's government unveiled a public-private investment roadmap on the 24th, committing over 370 trillion yen (approximately 74 trillion Taiwan dollars) over 15 years through March 2041. The initiative targets 17 key sectors including artificial intelligence and semiconductors, aiming to strengthen Japan's economic competitiveness through collaborative innovation between government and private enterprises.
🌏 International
China has recently increased deployment of coast guard vessels to Taiwan's eastern waters for law enforcement operations, prompting concern from the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Germany. The American Institute in Taiwan stated that China's actions seriously undermine regional stability. China's assertion of jurisdiction over waters Taiwan has peacefully managed for over seventy years will only escalate tensions. The US urged Beijing to change course.
A baseball coach at a Taichung elementary school was convicted of sexually assaulting and indecently assaulting 53 students over his six-year tenure starting in 2018. In the first wave of charges involving 32 students with 90 counts, he received a combined sentence of 464 years. In the second wave involving 10 students with 22 sexual assault counts, he was sentenced to an additional 19 years yesterday. The coach had prior indecent conduct convictions before his employment.
Britain's largest review of NHS maternity services, led by Donna Ockenden, has identified "systemic and sustained" failings that resulted in deaths of babies and mothers. The review also uncovered a "bullying and toxic culture" within maternity departments. The findings highlight critical gaps in management, training, and patient safety protocols across NHS maternity services.
Micron Technology reported quarterly revenue guidance that exceeded Wall Street expectations, driven by robust demand for memory chips from AI infrastructure investments. The positive outlook boosted the company's after-hours stock price by over 15%, reflecting market optimism about continued growth in the AI sector and its impact on semiconductor demand.
Japan's government unveiled a public-private investment roadmap on the 24th, committing over 370 trillion yen (approximately 74 trillion Taiwan dollars) over 15 years through March 2041. The initiative targets 17 key sectors including artificial intelligence and semiconductors, aiming to strengthen Japan's economic competitiveness through collaborative innovation between government and private enterprises.
According to Financial Times reporting, the EU, Netherlands, Germany, and Greece have joined the US-led Silicon Initiative. The initiative aims to strengthen Western nations' autonomy in artificial intelligence supply chains and reduce reliance on Chinese semiconductors. This move reflects Western countries' efforts to enhance strategic independence amid intensifying global technology competition.
S&P Dow Jones Indices announced that Alphabet will replace Verizon Communications in the Dow Jones Industrial Average effective June 29. The adjustment signals the benchmark index's continued shift toward artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and the digital economy. Following the announcement, Alphabet's stock rose 0.3% in pre-market trading, while Verizon declined 0.55%. The Dow Jones Index comprises 30 major U.S. companies spanning technology, finance, industry, healthcare, and consumer sectors.
Micron Technology announced robust third-quarter earnings results, benefiting from global memory chip shortages and surging artificial intelligence demand. The company's stock surged in after-hours trading following the earnings report. As a major memory chip manufacturer, Micron is capitalizing on strong demand from data centers and AI applications, contributing to significant profit growth compared to the previous year.
International oil prices declined today as preliminary progress in peace negotiations between the United States and Iran, combined with increased tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, eased market concerns about supply shortages. The price movement reflects improved market sentiment regarding global energy supply prospects.
A second wave of charges against a Taichung coach resulted in a 19-year sentence, with a third case still under review. The Democratic Progressive Party caucus in Taichung City Council questions why the municipal government claims no negligence despite successive heavy judicial sentences and a Control Yuan correction. The Education Bureau stated it has strengthened screening procedures for unsuitable personnel while respecting judicial proceedings.
Common Sense Beauty Group CEO Chang Ju-shan faces prosecution for allegedly attempting sexual assault against a female acquaintance and subsequently violating a protection order. Taipei District Prosecutors' Office found that Chang continued to harass the victim despite an existing protection order. Prosecutors have indicted him on charges of attempted rape and violation of the protection order, seeking severe punishment. The case emerged before his clinic became involved in a voyeurism scandal.
Taiwan's National Health Insurance Administration released the 2027 budget proposal with growth rate estimates of 5.5% (high) and 2.619% (low). Under both scenarios, the total budget will exceed one trillion NT dollars without affecting premiums. The proposal will be submitted to the Executive Yuan for review, with negotiations scheduled for September.
Wu Wan-ting, executive director of Taipei International School in Taichung, and her husband Yuan Chang-ping, founder of Leopard King restaurant chain, were arrested on suspicion of embezzling school and company assets. Following a second search on the 23rd, the Taichung District Prosecutors Office determined they committed serious offenses including breach of public trust and occupational embezzlement. Both were detained and remanded in custody by Taichung District Court.
Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim responded to being labeled a "stubborn Taiwan independence activist" by the Chinese Communist Party during an interview with a U.S. media outlet. She firmly stated that Taiwan will not allow the CCP to define who Taiwanese people are, characterizing such measures as intimidation tactics aimed at obstructing Taiwan's development. She emphasized Taiwan's resolve against Beijing's pressure.
President Trump announced he will refuse to sign a bipartisan housing bill until Congress passes the SAVE America Act, which aims to reform U.S. elections and strengthen voter eligibility requirements. Trump is using the housing bill as leverage to pressure Congress to prioritize voting reform legislation before addressing other legislative priorities.