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Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, holds a net worth of $241.7B as of December 2025, making him one of the world's wealthiest individuals. But what does that actually mean for everyday life? If you possessed just 1% of his wealth—approximately $2.417 billion—the financial possibilities become

If you are a new investor in Taiwan and want to enter the US stock market but are afraid of the complicated overseas account opening process, sub-brokerage might be your first choice. But before deciding, you need to understand what sub-brokerage is, its fee structure, operation mechanism, and whether it is suitable for you.
What is sub-brokerage: A bridge for Taiwanese investors to invest in overseas stock markets
The official name of sub-brokerage is "Foreign Securities Brokerage Business." Simply put, it means you open an account with a domestic broker, who acts as your agent to place orders with overseas securities firms to buy foreign stocks. The entire process is not a direct commission but involves your domestic broker forwarding orders to overseas partner brokers, hence the term "sub-brokerage" (Sub-brokerage).
Through a sub-brokerage account, you can invest in stocks, ETFs, bonds, and other financial products in overseas markets such as the US, China, Japan, and Hong Kong. In Taiwan, using sub-brokerage to buy US stock ETFs is the most traded overseas market.

The Federal Reserve's current rate hike cycle has shown significant signs of slowing down, with the target range for the federal funds rate remaining at 5.25%-5.50%, after three consecutive pauses since September and November of this year. As inflationary pressures gradually ease, market expectations for rate cuts are heating up, and the end of rate hikes has become a market consensus. According to data from the CME FedWatch Tool, the Fed may potentially start a rate cut cycle as early as the beginning of 2024, marking an important policy shift.
From Extreme Easing to Aggressive Tightening: Policy Turnaround
After the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Federal Reserve implemented unprecedented measures to stabilize the economy, rapidly lowering the federal funds rate to near zero levels (0%-0.25%) and launching large-scale quantitative easing programs. The Fed's balance sheet expanded from approximately $4 trillion to over $8 trillion.
However, soaring inflation data forced the Fed to pivot its policy stance. In March 2022, the Federal Reserve officially

Renminbi is experiencing a cyclical turning point
Since 2025, the performance of the Renminbi exchange rate has shown a completely different trend. The USD to Renminbi exchange rate has gradually retraced from its high at the beginning of the year, and in mid-December, it consecutively broke through several key levels such as 7.05 and 7.04, creating a new high in nearly 14 months. Behind this shift is a new cycle that could last up to ten years, quietly taking shape.
Looking back over the past three years, the Renminbi has been on a depreciation trajectory. Especially since May 2023, the USD to Renminbi exchange rate has firmly stayed above the 7.0 mark, and market expectations for the Renminbi have been notably weak. But to date, this situation is being reversed.
In contrast, the trend of the Hong Kong dollar against the Renminbi in 2022 better illustrates the issue. That year, the Renminbi experienced its largest depreciation in recent years, falling about 8% for the entire year. The rebound this year precisely confirms the market cycle shift.
Future Renminbi

Platinum investment has been hailed in recent years as the "rising star of precious metal investments," but from its all-time high to today, many investors are beginning to question: Is it still worth entering now? This article will help you re-understand this market from the fundamentals of platinum's supply and demand, historical price fluctuations, and practical investment strategies.
Why is platinum worth paying attention to? Scarcity is the core
If gold is the synonym for safe-haven assets, then platinum follows a completely different logic—it is a truly industrial demand-driven commodity.
According to data, the global annual gold production is about 3,332 tons, while platinum output is only 165 tons, making it far more scarce than gold. More importantly, platinum mining is monopolized by South Africa and Russia, and this geopolitical concentration makes the supply side highly susceptible to disruptions.
Unlike gold's jewelry attribute, platinum's application in the automotive industry dominates absolutely. Automotive catalytic converters, turbo engines, medical equipment,

Why invest in energy storage concept stocks now? An unavoidable trend to watch
Global carbon emission control is imminent. According to a report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, emissions must be halved by 2030. Due to this hard target, governments worldwide have begun significantly increasing investments in renewable energy—this is the core driving force behind the popularity of energy storage concept stocks.
Simply put, the reason green energy concept stocks are worth paying attention to is that: energy transition is a long-term policy-driven trend, and energy storage systems are the infrastructure underpinning this transition. The output of renewable energy sources like wind and solar is unstable, and only through energy storage technology can they be truly commercialized. Additionally, the widespread adoption of electric vehicles and the surge in electricity demand from AI data centers significantly expand the growth potential for energy storage.
According to BloombergNEF forecasts, the global cumulative energy storage installations will surpass the terawatt-hour mark by 2030, including lithium-ion batteries.

Is it really cost-effective to exchange for Japanese Yen now?
As of December 10, 2025, the NT$ to JPY exchange rate is approximately 4.85, which seems stable. However, compared to 4.46 at the beginning of the year, the Yen has appreciated by about 8.7% year-to-date. This increase is quite significant for Taiwanese individuals with currency exchange needs.
It is worth noting that the recent hawkish comments from Bank of Japan Governor Ueda Kazuo have pushed market expectations for rate hikes to 80%, with a meeting on December 19 expected to raise rates by 0.25 basis points to 0.75% (a 30-year high). Japanese government bond yields have risen to a 17-year high of 1.93%. As the US enters a rate-cutting cycle, the Yen is receiving strong market support, with USD/JPY falling from a high of 160 at the start of the year to around 154.58 now.
In comparison, the HKD to TWD exchange rate has less fluctuation, mainly serving as a short-term arbitrage tool, while the Yen also has hedging and medium- to long-term investment value. According to the latest observations, Taiwan's currency exchange demand in the second half of the year

By December 2025, the exchange rate of the New Taiwan Dollar to the Japanese Yen has reached 4.85, an appreciation of 8.7% since the beginning of the year. Travel to Japan, Yen investments, and even international hedging allocations have made exchanging for Yen a hot topic recently. But do you know? Choosing the wrong exchange method can cost you thousands more in handling fees.
Why is it worth exchanging for Yen?
The Yen is not just a travel currency; it has three layers of value behind it.
Travel and shopping aspect: Japan's cash usage rate is only 60%. Most stores in Tokyo shopping districts, Hokkaido ski resorts, and Okinawa resorts still accept cash. Proxy purchasing agencies and Japanese online auctions often require direct Yen payments, making Yen a necessity.
From a financial hedging perspective, the Yen ranks among the world's three major safe-haven currencies (USD, Swiss Franc, Yen). During the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022, the Yen appreciated by 8% in one week, successfully offsetting the 10% decline in Taiwanese stocks. For Taiwanese investors, holding Yen is like buying insurance for Taiwanese stocks.
Arbitrage opportunities, Japan

Recently, the gold market has been driven by multiple positive factors, with prices continuing to rise. The Federal Reserve's signals of a dovish policy and a weakening dollar have enhanced gold's appeal. Geopolitical tensions and a sluggish global economy have increased safe-haven demand. Technical analysis indicates that gold prices may break through resistance levels, but investors remain cautious ahead of the upcoming US economic data releases.

In December 2025, the Taiwan dollar has already surpassed 4.85 against the Japanese yen. Many are eager to go abroad or allocate assets for hedging. But do you know? Choosing the wrong exchange channel can cost you thousands of dollars in exchange rate differences. For example, when exchanging the same amount of yen, the cost difference between bank counter exchange and online remittance can reach over 1,200 NT dollars.
In this article, we will get straight to the point and use actual rates to show you the real costs of four different exchange methods, helping you save money and time.
Four Major Exchange Methods Practical Comparison
Method 1: Bank Counter Exchange (Most Traditional, Highest Cost)
Carry cash NT dollars directly to the bank or airport counter to exchange for yen cash on the spot. Although this method is the most straightforward, it uses the "cash selling exchange rate" (about 1-2% higher than the market rate), plus possible handling fees, making it the least cost-effective overall.
According to Taiwan Bank's rates on December 10, 2025, the cash selling exchange rate is approximately 0.2060 NT dollars/

Friday's market performance showcased a policy anticipation show. As Federal Reserve officials repeatedly signal rate cuts, expectations for market rescue across the strait have also increased, and the policy directions of the two major economies are reshaping global asset allocation. Bitcoin narrowly held above $84,000 amid this shift in expectations, Ethereum dipped slightly by 0.41% to $2.94K, while U.S. stocks rebounded across the board, boosting market sentiment.
Federal Reserve Officials Turn Dovish, Hope for Rate Cut in December Reignited
New York Fed President Williams' remarks on Friday ignited expectations for a rate cut. This third-ranking Fed official hinted at a possible rate cut in December, emphasizing the need to achieve price stability while ensuring full employment. His views directly point to the current softening trend in the labor market—despite accelerated non-farm payrolls in September, the unemployment rate has risen to 4.4%, and the risk of employment decline has clearly increased.
In contrast, inflationary pressures have eased. Williams stated that, in the absence of

Trading Anomaly Alerts: Understanding the Origin of Disposition Stocks
In the stock market, there is a category of stocks exhibiting abnormal behavior, with sharp price fluctuations in a short period—sometimes exceeding 100% monthly gains—yet they cannot be traded smoothly like regular stocks, and margin trading functions are also restricted. These stocks are included in the Taiwan Stock Exchange's disposition stock list, becoming objects that investors need to pay special attention to.
The emergence of disposition stocks is not arbitrary. When a stock shows abnormal trading characteristics within a specific period—such as excessive short-term price changes, soaring turnover rates, or sudden increases in trading volume—the exchange will activate an early warning mechanism. Initially, the stock will be classified as a watch stock, and investors will receive alerts without trading restrictions; if abnormal conditions persist, it will be upgraded to a warning stock; ultimately, it may enter the disposition stock stage, at which point trading methods will be substantially restricted.
Based on data from December 2023, the stocks include Hengda, Lishan, Hongguang, Huangchang, Rongchuang, Yingguang, Pola-KY, and Midea Medical-DR.

Recently, the New Taiwan Dollar has appreciated remarkably against the US Dollar, with a nearly 10% increase in just two days. The factors driving this include the impact of US tariff policies, the central bank's policy dilemma, and financial institutions' hedging operations. Although future appreciation potential is limited, experts recommend that investors remain flexible in adjusting their strategies and cautiously respond to exchange rate fluctuations to seize opportunities.

When you open financial news, do you often see headlines like "Dollar Strengthens" or "Dollar Index Hits New High"? But what do these numbers actually represent, and how do they affect your investment portfolio? Today, from a trader's perspective, we'll take you deep into the logic behind the USD Index chart.
The essence of the US Dollar Index (USDX): a tool for measuring relative strength
First, let's clarify a concept: the Dollar Index is not an exchange rate, nor is it a price; it is a relative index.
Imagine comparing an athlete's performance—not by how fast they run (absolute value), but by how they perform relative to other competitors (relative value). The Dollar Index works the same way—it measures the dollar's relative strength against a basket of major international currencies.
Simply put, the USD Index tracks the exchange rate fluctuations of the dollar against six major currencies:
- Euro (EUR): 57.6%
- Japanese Yen (JPY)

Platinum, a rare precious metal, has recently become a market focus. On December 18, its price broke through $1,978 per ounce, showing a continuous six-day upward trend, reaching a historical high not seen since 2008. Since the beginning of 2025, platinum has accumulated a nearly 120% increase, far outpacing gold performance.
Structural Supply Crisis Drives Prices
Over 70% of global platinum production comes from South Africa, which is currently facing multiple challenges such as aging mines, electricity shortages, and extreme weather, directly impacting supply. The tightness of the spot market can be seen from a number—recently, the one-month leasing rate for platinum has risen to 14.12%.
Edward Sterck, Research Director at the World Platinum Investment Association, further emphasizes the severity: the global platinum market will face a supply gap for the third consecutive year, and this shortage could persist until 2029. Supply-side pressures have become the core driver of price increases.

Market risk appetite has rebounded, and various assets are rising in unison. Ethereum successfully recovered to $3000, gold broke through $4400, the USD/JPY exchange rate remains stable, and the S&P 500 index is supported at 6790 points. Investors should closely monitor key support and resistance levels to seize rebound opportunities in the future.

Why do investors need to learn technical indicators?
When investing in stocks, fundamental analysis tells you whether a company is good or not, but technical analysis can tell you whether it's a good time to enter the market. Technical analysis includes two main tools: candlestick charts and technical indicators. The former helps judge trends through visualized price movements, while the latter uses mathematical formulas to generate objective buy and sell signals. Compared to the long-term focus of fundamental analysis, technical indicators are more suitable for capturing medium- and short-term market turning points and trading opportunities.
The three main categories of technical indicators
Common technical indicators in the market can be divided into three categories, each with different application scenarios:
Trend Indicators: The Compass for Predicting Future Movements
These indicators help traders determine whether the market is in an upward or downward phase.
Bollinger Bands consist of three lines: upper, middle, and lower, which move in real-time with the candlestick chart. When prices approach the upper band, it indicates market strength; when they approach the lower band, it suggests market weakness.

Do you often see headlines like "Dollar Strengthens" or "Dollar Index Hits New High" in financial news, but find the indicator itself baffling? In fact, behind these seemingly complex numbers lies the secret to global capital flows. Today, let's understand the true meaning of the Dollar Index from the most straightforward perspective.
The Key Driving Force Behind Currency Market Trends
Before making any investment decisions, one thing you must clarify: what is the real driver behind the fluctuations of the Dollar Index?
The Federal Reserve's interest rate policy is almost the most direct determinant. Rate hikes → increased attractiveness of the dollar → influx of global hot money → rise in the Dollar Index; the logic is opposite for rate cuts. Every time the Federal Reserve meets, the market's tension is fundamentally rooted in this.
In addition, U.S. economic data performance (employment population, unemployment rate, CPI inflation, GDP growth rate) also influences the strength of the dollar. Good data supports the dollar; data

Market Highlights of the Week
In the previous trading week (December 8 to 12), the foreign exchange market experienced significant volatility. The US dollar index fell by 0.60%, with non-US currencies showing mixed performance. The euro appreciated by 0.84%, the Japanese yen declined by 0.29%, the British pound rose by 0.34%, and the Australian dollar increased slightly by 0.18%.
Federal Reserve Policy Shift Supports Euro Exchange Rate
EUR/USD surged by 0.84% last week, driven by weakening signals from the Federal Reserve. The Fed cut interest rates by 25 basis points as scheduled and announced the launch of the Reserve Management Purchase (RMP) program, purchasing $40 billion worth of short-term government bonds monthly. The market interprets this as a prelude to a new round of quantitative easing. Coupled with Chairman Powell’s dovish remarks, the US dollar came under pressure and declined sharply for two consecutive days.
Notably, the latest dot plot indicates that the Federal Reserve may only cut interest rates once in 2026, but market traders still expect two rate cuts next year.

The most loved and hated phenomenon among investors in the stock market is when stock prices are suddenly "frozen"—this is known as the limit-up and limit-down. Many beginners see a stock hit its limit-up and want to buy in, while others see a limit-down and rush to sell, often resulting in being trapped. So, when a stock hits extreme price limits, can we still trade? What is the mechanism behind it?
What are limit-up and limit-down? Understand with a chart
Limit-up refers to the stock price reaching the maximum allowable increase set by the exchange within a day, locking the price and preventing further rise. Limit-down is the opposite; when the stock price falls to the minimum allowable decrease, it is frozen.
Taking the Taiwan stock market as an example, the daily price fluctuation limit is 10% of the previous day's closing price. If a stock closed at 1000 NT dollars yesterday, the highest it can rise today is 1100 NT dollars, and the lowest cannot be lower than 900 NT dollars. Once these boundaries are reached, the price movement chart will become a horizontal line. On trading software, limit-up stocks are usually marked in red.