Taiwan Consumer Confidence Hits 18-Month High Amid AI Boom

Taiwan's consumer confidence index rose 3.76 points to 68.77 in September, marking an 18-month high. According to National Central University, the increase was driven by the global AI boom and record highs in the local stock market, which boosted sentiment across six factors, including employment prospects, family finances, and consumer prices.

Despite the growth, the index remains in the pessimism range, as it has not yet reached the optimism threshold of 100. Simultaneously, the home-buying index surged to 98.84, the highest level since March 2025.

This real estate growth followed a September 17 decision by the Central Bank of the Republic of China to maintain interest rates for the 10th consecutive quarter. The bank also relaxed selective credit controls for second-home purchases and removed construction deadlines for financed land to stimulate the market.