Many novice investors watching the stock market fluctuate want to find a relatively safe path. At this time, blue-chip stocks become the choice for many. But what exactly are blue-chip stocks, and why are so many people talking about them? This is actually worth a good discussion.
The True Meaning of Blue-Chip Stocks
The concept of blue-chip stocks originates from casino culture—the highest denomination chips are blue, so they are used to describe the most influential companies in the stock market. Simply put, blue-chip stocks are shares issued by large, fundamentally solid, industry-leading publicly listed companies.
These companies usually share several common traits: they have passed the rapid growth phase and entered a relatively stable operational stage; they have ample cash flow and can continue to pay dividends to shareholders; they have high market liquidity and active trading; they offer diversified product lines to spread operational risks.
Because of these characteristics, blue-chip stocks play the role of "cornerstone" in an investment portfolio—

The Bank of Japan raised its benchmark interest rate to 0.75% on December 19, but failed to boost the yen, with the USD/JPY strengthening instead. Market expectations for future rate hikes remain unclear, and the interest rate differential dilemma is putting pressure on the yen, which still underperforms compared to G10 currencies. Investors need to pay attention to the central bank's clear rate hike path to change the pessimistic outlook on the yen.

The US stock market is the largest in the world, with an average daily trading volume of over 10 billion shares, attracting investors from all over the globe. Compared to other countries' stock markets, the US stock market is popular mainly due to its mature trading system, a rich selection of over 8,000 stocks, and an ecosystem that gathers top global technology companies and innovative enterprises.
So, how can ordinary investors participate in US stock trading? What are the necessary conditions? This article will answer questions for beginners looking to get started with US stocks from three dimensions: basic rules, account selection, and investment strategies.
Basic Rules of US Stock Trading You Need to Know
US stocks are mainly traded on three major exchanges: the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), the NASDAQ Stock Market (NASDAQ), and the American Stock Exchange (AMEX).
Trading Hours and System
US stocks adopt a T+0 trading system, meaning investors can trade multiple times within the same day.

The irony is stark: while Elon Musk secures a record-breaking $1 trillion compensation package and channels resources toward robotaxis and humanoid robots, Tesla faces unprecedented market headwinds across every major geography. The fundamental question facing investors isn't whether Tesla can

In cryptocurrency, the main difference between Token and Coin is that Coins have their own independent blockchain, while Tokens are built on existing blockchains. Tokens can be categorized into payment, utility, and asset types, and they offer flexibility and higher volatility, making them suitable for various trading methods. Understanding these differences and risk management can help investors make informed decisions in the market.

As December arrives, traders speculate on a potential "Santa Claus Rally," with historical trends showing strong market performance. However, opinions vary among experts on whether this year will follow suit, influenced by liquidity and market psychology.

Ethereum faces complex cross-chain operation issues. EIL (Ethereum Interoperability Layer) proposes a solution to simplify user experience and enhance security. This new standard has the potential to unify multi-chain environments and improve the ecosystem, while ETH price fluctuates around support levels. Future trends will depend on EIL's market acceptance and overall sentiment changes.

Is it now worthwhile to exchange for Japanese Yen?
As of December 10, 2025, the TWD to JPY exchange rate reached 4.85, up 8.7% from 4.46 at the beginning of the year. This means investors' currency exchange gains are quite substantial. Especially as the TWD faces depreciation pressure, allocating assets in JPY has become an option for many.
The Bank of Japan is on the verge of raising interest rates—recent hawkish comments by Governor Ueda Kazuo have pushed market expectations to 80%, with a rate hike of 0.25 bps to 0.75% expected at the December 19 meeting (a 30-year high). Japanese bond yields have already hit a 17-year high of 1.93%. These factors support the yen's trend; short-term fluctuations are oscillating around 155, but medium to long-term forecasts suggest it will operate below 150.
The conclusion is: now is a good time to exchange for JPY, but it requires phased operations and choosing the right channels. Just by selecting different exchange methods, a single exchange of 50,000 TWD can result in a difference of 500-2000 yuan—equivalent to several

Choosing a safe and reliable forex trading platform is crucial for beginners. Focus on regulatory qualifications, platform size, trading costs, leverage, and minimum deposit requirements. It is recommended that beginners start with a demo account and gradually accumulate experience, implement proper risk management, and aim for long-term profitability.

The Bank of Japan raised interest rates by 25 basis points to 0.75%, the highest in nearly 30 years, but the market reaction was muted, and the USD/JPY rose. Analysts believe that investors are uncertain about the future rate hike path, and the market interpreted this rate hike as a dovish signal, affecting the yen's performance. The RMB/JPY exchange rate is also indirectly affected by this.

On December 19th, the Bank of Japan raised the benchmark interest rate to 0.75%, but the market reaction was lukewarm, and the USD/JPY exchange rate strengthened instead. The central bank governor did not provide a clear timetable for future rate hikes, leading to a slowdown in market expectations. Additionally, the widening interest rate differential between Japan and the US made the dollar more attractive, resulting in a weak yen. Experts point out that the central bank needs to send stronger signals to boost confidence in the yen, and the market is looking forward to a clear interest rate hike plan.

Short selling is a reverse profit strategy that allows investors to profit during market declines. Its existence helps stabilize the market, prevent bubbles, and enhance liquidity. Short selling methods include securities lending, contracts for difference (CFDs), and futures, but they carry higher risks. Caution is advised, with recommendations for short-term trading, position control, and strict risk management.

The US stock market, as the most mature and active stock trading market globally, attracts investors from around the world every day. However, for beginners preparing to enter this market, questions about trading rules, account selection, and investment methods can often be confusing. This article will systematically answer how to step into the US stock market and how to choose an investment strategy that suits you.
Why invest in US stocks?
Before diving into operational details, let's first look at why US stocks are worth paying attention to.
Clear advantages in trading costs
Compared to other global stock markets, US stocks have a significant advantage in trading costs. There are no lot size restrictions for US stocks; trading can be done with as little as 1 share. For example, Tesla's stock price is about $260 per share, so investors can start trading with just $260, without a large capital threshold. In contrast, the Malaysian stock market requires a minimum purchase of 100 shares, the Taiwan stock market requires at least 1,000 shares, and Hong Kong stocks typically require 100-1,000 shares.

The US stock market holiday schedule is continuously updated. The United States entered daylight saving time at 2:00 AM on November 2, 2025, and the regular trading hours have been adjusted to 22:30 to 5:00 Taiwan time.
Quickly check US stock market opening hours
The United States has three major stock exchanges (New York Stock Exchange, NASDAQ, and American Stock Exchange). Although each operates independently, their opening and closing times are generally synchronized.
US Stock Trading Hours (Eastern Time)
| Trading Session | Trading Days | Trading Hours |
|-----------------|--------------|--------------|
| Regular Trading | Monday to Friday | 9:30-16:00 |
| Pre-market Trading | Monday to Friday | 4:00-9:30 |
| After-hours Trading | Monday to Friday | 16:00-20:00 |

2025年 Taiwan dollar to Japanese Yen exchange rate has risen to 4.85, an increase of 8.7% from 4.46 at the beginning of the year. Japanese travel demand and Yen allocation needs have reignited. However, there are many ways to exchange for Yen, from in-person currency exchange to online remittance and foreign currency ATMs. The cost differences across channels may cause you to spend several thousand TWD more. This article will break down four mainstream currency exchange methods and provide the latest exchange rates and fee data to help you find the most economical option.
Why do you need to exchange for Yen? From travel to asset allocation
Many people think exchanging for Yen is just for traveling abroad, but in reality, the applications of Yen go far beyond expectations.
In daily life, the cash usage rate for Japanese travel remains high. Many merchants in Tokyo, Osaka for shopping, and Hokkaido for skiing mainly accept cash; purchasing agents and Japanese online shopping transactions also require Yen payments; long-term students or working holidaymakers need to plan currency exchange in advance.
From a financial investment perspective, Yen and US

The global healthcare industry is in a rapid expansion phase. Accelerating population aging, the emergence of new therapies, and mature telemedicine technologies are driving the vigorous development of the medical biotech sector. Unlike traditional cyclical industries, people require medical services regardless of economic fluctuations, making healthcare stocks more resilient to cycles and increasingly attractive to investors.
Compared to other regions worldwide, the United States boasts the highest quality healthcare biotech ecosystem and is the most concentrated and valuable market for biotech concept stocks. This article will analyze investment opportunities in the US healthcare industry in depth and highlight leading stocks worth关注.
Core Characteristics of the Medical Biotech Industry
Large global market size with broad growth potential
The US biopharmaceutical market is the largest and most active globally, expected to reach $445 billion by 2027, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.5%. This figure reflects the industry's strong

Exchange rate bottoming out, the golden period for JPY in 2025
On December 10, 2025, the Taiwan dollar to Japanese yen exchange rate has reached 4.85—this is a key level in recent times. Compared to the 4.46 level at the beginning of the year, the yen has appreciated by 8.7% over the year. For investors in Taiwan and even Malaysia, this wave of yen appreciation has been quite significant.
According to market data, Taiwan's foreign exchange demand increased by 25% in the second half of the year. The main drivers are twofold: first, the revival of travel to Japan boosting actual demand; second, the global risk-off sentiment increasing safe-haven allocations. Interestingly, many Malaysian investors are also starting to pay attention to the yen, using it as a hedge against Southeast Asian currency fluctuations.
The recent hawkish comments from Bank of Japan (BOJ) Governor Ueda Kazuo have pushed market expectations for rate hikes to 80%. It is expected that the December 19 meeting will raise interest rates by 0.25 bps to 0.75%, reaching a 30-year high. Japanese government bond yields have climbed to a 17-year high.

Open the Door and See: What Exactly Are Options?
Options (also known as derivatives, in English Options) are a type of financial derivative with a very simple core concept — you pay a small amount of money to buy a "future trading right." This right allows you to buy or sell stocks, indices, commodities, and other assets at an agreed-upon price on a specific date, but you can choose not to exercise it at all, limiting your risk.
Compared to the single strategy of buying low and selling high, the beauty of options lies in their versatility: they can be used in any market condition — bull markets, bear markets, sideways fluctuations, or even during periods of increased volatility — with corresponding options strategies. Because of this, options are both a tool for speculation and a means for risk hedging.
How to Play Options? Four Basic Trading Methods
Options trading essentially involves "buying" or "selling" combined with "call" or "put," resulting in four possible combinations.
Buy Call Options
Imagine you are optimistic about the future prospects of a certain stock but do not want to purchase it outright.

Leverage involves borrowing funds to trade, using a small margin to control a large position, thereby amplifying both gains and risks. Beginners should understand tools such as futures, options, leveraged ETFs, and CFDs, use leverage responsibly, and implement risk management to avoid losses and margin calls.