Print

Mail

wiki links

Economic indicators show caution about economic growth

Taiwan's index of leading economic indicators fell in August from a month earlier, reflecting cautious sentiment towards economic growth over the next three to six months, official data showed yesterday.

The August index of leading economic indicators stood at 103.1 points.

This was down from a revised 104.2 in July, the Council for Economic Planning and Development said.

The original July reading was 103.8 points.

Of the seven leading indicators, five were lower in August than they were a month earlier.

These were orders for manufacturers, M1B money supply, housing start applications, stock prices and average monthly working hours in the manufacturing sector, the council said.

Wholesale prices and customs-compiled exports in value terms rose month-on-month, it added.

The council said the August composite indicator stood at 24 points, down from 29 points in July.

However, the August composite index came in at a "green light" level on the government's system of assessment, which indicated economic growth had remained steady, it said.

In August, 18 percent of manufacturers expected the economy to improve over the next three months, down from a revised 20 percent a month earlier.

Some 19 percent held a negative view, down from a revised 23 percent in July, the council said.

The percentage of those with a positive view was lower than those with a negative view for the third month in a row, it said.

It said that some 63 percent of manufacturers expected the economy to maintain its current direction, up from a revised 57 percent in July.
This story has been viewed 1727 times.