When it comes to international investments, many people immediately focus on stock market fluctuations and oil price changes, but they often overlook an invisible操盤手—the US Dollar Index. This seemingly abstract indicator actually influences your asset allocation, exchange rate gains and losses, and even determines the flow of global hot money.
What exactly does the US Dollar Index measure?
Imagine trying to assess an athlete's performance improvement—you can't just look at their single-game score; you need to compare it with other competitors. The US Dollar Index (USDX or DXY) is exactly like that—it doesn't measure the absolute value of the dollar but tracks its overall strength relative to major global currencies.
Specifically, this index includes exchange rate data from six major currencies:
| Currency | Weight |
|----------|---------|
| Euro (EUR) | 57.6% |
| Japanese Yen (JPY) | 13.6% |
| British Pound (GBP) | 11.9% |
| Canadian Dollar (CAD) | 9.1% |
| Swedish Krona (SEK) | 4.2% |
| Swiss Franc (CHF) | 3.6% |

Why is the Swiss franc considered a stable safe haven?
As a historically neutral country, Switzerland's currency, the Swiss franc (CHF), has long been regarded by the market as an important safe haven asset. Whenever there is turmoil in the global financial markets—be it the 2007 financial crisis, the 2011 European sovereign debt crisis, or the current trade tensions—capital tends to flow into these low-risk assets.
So, in the current environment, does the Swiss franc still hold investment appeal? The answer is yes, but its trend is no longer as straightforward as in the past.
Multiple Factors Driving the Swiss Franc's Movement
The Key Role of Central Bank Policies
The actions of the Swiss National Bank (SNB) have a direct impact on the exchange rate. In the past two years, the SNB has shifted from tightening to easing policies. In June 2025, the Swiss central bank lowered its policy rate to 0%, marking the first time since the end of the negative interest rate era in late 2022 that it has reached zero.
The central bank's move has been deeply...

Imagine a tool that condenses a stock's entire day's price movements into a single line, allowing you to instantly see what the market is playing at. This is the charm of the candlestick chart. For investors, learning to read candlesticks is not just a basic skill but also a stepping stone to advanced trading.
What is a candlestick chart? Why learn it?
Candlesticks, also called candlestick charts or K-lines, visually represent four key prices within a period—opening price, highest price, lowest price, and closing price. Simply put, they tell the market's story through colors and shapes.
The core of a candlestick chart has two parts. The candlestick body is the rectangular area in the middle, hiding the battle between bulls and bears. When the closing price is higher than the opening price, the body is red, called a "Yang line," indicating the buyers are in control; conversely, if the closing price is lower than the opening price, the body is green, called a "Yin line," indicating the bears are dominating.
However, there's a small detail—different markets have variations in the three lines of a stock chart.

Dovish signals drive asset revaluation
On Monday, Federal Reserve Bank of New York President Williams sent dovish signals, stating that the Fed's monetary policy is well prepared for next year, and that the inflation impact caused by tariffs is temporary and expected to fade next year. At the same time, Williams pointed out that downside risks to the labor market have increased in recent months, hinting that the Fed may further cut interest rates. This statement triggered a reassessment of monetary policy prospects, leading to declines in US stocks, commodities, and crypto assets.
Boston Fed President Collins also issued an unexpected dovish stance. Although she had been cautious about inflation levels, after considering risk balance, she ultimately supported the Fed's 25 basis point rate cut decision last week. The synchronized shift of these two top Fed officials signals that monetary policy may accelerate easing next year.
US stocks broadly under pressure, crypto assets both break support levels
Influenced by the Fed's dovish expectations, the three major US stock indices all declined on Monday.

Why do investors still need desktop stock market tools?
In today's era of widespread smartphone use, desktop stock market applications remain essential tools for professional investors. Compared to mobile devices, desktop platforms offer three core advantages for investment decision-making:
Display Quality and Analytical Depth
The spacious screens of computers allow for clearer presentation of complex charts and data. Investors can monitor 24 technical indicators such as MACD, RSI, and KD simultaneously, which is nearly impossible on a 6-inch mobile screen. Detailed market data visualization directly enhances stock selection and timing accuracy.
Multitasking Capabilities
Hardware performance differences determine operational efficiency. Computers can easily open multiple windows in parallel, tracking real-time quotes of different assets such as Taiwan stocks, Japanese stocks, and commodities simultaneously. This multi-dimensional monitoring is difficult to achieve on mobile devices. When market sudden changes occur, this advantage becomes especially critical.
Stability and Durability
Computers do not need to worry about power supply interruptions or overheating, ensuring consistent performance during intensive trading sessions.

Why Should You Follow Apple Concept Stocks? Apple Intelligence Drives a New Wave of Market Trends
In June 2024, Apple officially launched the "Apple Intelligence" generative AI project, announcing the integration of ChatGPT into the iOS system. This move immediately ignited market enthusiasm. Apple’s stock price rose nearly 20%, reaching a high of $230 per share, far surpassing the 4% increase of the S&P 500 during the same period. More notably, the entire industry chain related to Apple also started to move—stocks of major Apple suppliers such as Broadcom, TSMC, and Qualcomm all experienced significant gains.
The logic behind this phenomenon is not complicated: Apple concept stocks refer to publicly traded companies that have business ties with Apple, including chip suppliers, manufacturers, and contract factories. The revenue and profits of these companies are directly affected by the sales performance of Apple products, and their stock price fluctuations are often closely related to Apple.

On December 10, 2025, the exchange rate of New Taiwan Dollars (NTD) to Japanese Yen (JPY) is approximately 4.85, meaning 1 NTD can be exchanged for 4.85 JPY. As travel to Japan regains popularity and the demand for Yen as a safe haven increases, many are preparing to exchange currency. But do you know? Exchanging 50,000 NTD through the wrong channel could cost you more than 1,500 NTD—enough to enjoy several Michelin meals in Tokyo. We tested four different exchange methods to reveal the true costs and help you find the most economical way.
4 Types of Yen Exchange Methods Cost Comparison
In Taiwan, there is not just one way to exchange Yen. According to the latest rates in 2025, the same 50,000 NTD can yield significantly different amounts of Yen depending on the channel used. Below is our cost ranking:
| Exchange Method | Estimated Cost (50,000 NTD) | Yen Received | Biggest Advantage |
|---------|------------------|--

Exchange Rate Fluctuations and Economic Logic
The recent strong appreciation of the New Taiwan Dollar has attracted market attention. In just two trading days, the USD/TWD exchange rate experienced an astonishing nearly 10% decline, which is rare among Asian currencies. In comparison, the Japanese Yen appreciated by only 1.5%, the Korean Won by 3.8%, and the Singapore Dollar by 1.41%. The TWD's rapid appreciation clearly outpaces these, reflecting specific economic drivers at play.
This wave of appreciation is not without cause. The market generally attributes it to expectations of adjustments in US tariff policies. When the Trump administration announced delays in implementing equivalent tariffs, global exporters rushed to make bulk purchases before the policies took effect. Taiwan, as a major exporter of electronics and semiconductors, directly benefited from this demand surge. Meanwhile, the IMF raised its full-year economic growth forecast for Taiwan, further boosting foreign investor optimism, leading to a large influx of capital that pushed the New Taiwan Dollar higher.
Central Bank Policy Dilemmas and Market Expectations
Taiwan's central bank faces this

Want to enter the stock market with a small amount of capital? Odd-lot trading has become one of the most popular investment methods in recent years. But do you know how to sell odd lots effectively? How high are the transaction costs? Today, we’ll organize the core knowledge of small investors’ investments for you.
What exactly are odd lots? Why do they appear?
The standard trading unit for stocks is called a "lot," which equals 1,000 shares. However, sometimes your holdings are less than 1,000 shares, and these scattered shares are called odd lots. The minimum trading unit is 1 share.
How do odd lots usually occur? The most common reason is that buy or sell orders are not fully executed—your set price might be too high or too low, causing the order to be filled before reaching the target quantity. Additionally, during dividend distribution or stock allocation processes, odd lots can naturally occur.
Odd-lot trading is a trading method specifically for these scattered shares, with each order not exceeding 999 shares. Simply put, it’s a transaction of "stock leftovers."

As of December 10, 2025, the Taiwanese dollar has appreciated to 4.85 against the Japanese yen, up from 4.46 at the beginning of the year, an 8.7% increase. Many people are eager to take advantage of this. But here’s a harsh truth: choosing the wrong currency exchange method can cost you several cups of bubble tea just in fees and exchange rate margins.
We’ve uncovered the 4 biggest pitfalls in exchanging Taiwanese dollars for Japanese yen, and the truly most cost-effective strategies.
Why did exchanging for Japanese yen suddenly become popular?
Many think that exchanging for Japanese yen is just for traveling abroad, but it’s actually much more than that.
Travel and shopping: Japan still has a cash usage rate of over 40%, especially in Hokkaido for skiing and Okinawa for vacations, where cash is basically the only option. People purchasing Japanese cosmetics and anime merchandise also often need to pay directly in yen.
Financial hedging: The yen is one of the three major safe-haven currencies globally (alongside the US dollar and Swiss franc). Japan’s economy is stable with low debt. During the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022, the yen appreciated by 8% in a week, successfully buffering stock market declines. In Taiwanese dollars

In December 2025, the NT dollar to Japanese Yen has reached a level of 4.85. Many people are eager to go abroad or allocate foreign currency. But do you know? Choosing the wrong exchange method can cost you an extra 1,500 to 2,000 NT dollars just in exchange rate differences and fees. We have summarized the four most common currency exchange channels in Taiwan, calculated with real rates, to show you which one has the lowest cost.
Why are Taiwanese people rushing to exchange for Yen?
The demand for Yen in Taiwan far exceeds other foreign currencies, for three main reasons:
Travel and consumption needs are the most direct. Cash usage in stores across Japan still accounts for up to 40%, especially in rural and tourist areas, where credit card payments are much lower than in cities. Daily needs such as purchasing on behalf of others, Japanese online shopping, studying abroad, and part-time work also revolve around Yen cash or account payments.
The Yen is one of the world's three major safe-haven currencies. Besides the US dollar and Swiss franc, the Yen is often a safe haven for global funds due to Japan's stable economy and manageable government debt.

Why should you pay attention to the US stock futures opening time?
Many traders are asking the same question: "Why trade outside of regular trading hours?" The answer is simple—overnight information waits for no one. After the New York Stock Exchange closes, news from other global markets continues to ferment. The 24-hour operation mechanism of the futures market allows you to position yourself ahead of the opening the next day.
Unlike traditional stock trading with fixed time restrictions, modern electronic trading has broken down geographical and time barriers. No matter where you are, you can participate in the fluctuations of the world's largest financial market.
How is the US stock futures opening time calculated?
Regular Trading Hours (Manual Trading)
The regular trading hours for US stock futures are from 9:30 AM to 4:15 PM Eastern Time, which is the most active and liquid period.
Converted to Taiwan Time:
- Daylight Saving Time (second Sunday in March to first Sunday in November): 9:30 PM

The current global market volatility has intensified, making international gold prices an important choice for capital hedging. Since reaching a historic high of $4,400 per ounce in October last year, followed by a technical correction, market enthusiasm has not waned. Many investors share the same question: how far can this gold price rally go? Is it already too late to position in international gold prices? To answer these questions, one must deeply understand the fundamental logic behind gold price fluctuations.
Why has gold become the strongest asset in 2025?
In the past two years, gold performance has been remarkable. According to Reuters statistics, the gold price increase for 2024-2025 has approached the highest levels in 30 years, surpassing the 31% rise in 2007 and the 29% in 2010. International gold prices have already broken through the $4,300 mark and continue to set new records.
This upward trend is not accidental but driven by multiple deep-seated factors. First

The NT dollar to Japanese Yen has reached 4.85. Are you ready to exchange?
As of December 2025, the Japanese Yen exchange rate has hit a recent high. Compared to 4.46 at the beginning of the year, the Yen has appreciated by 8.7%, which means that exchanging Yen now can yield quite substantial gains just from currency conversion. Is it the right time to exchange Yen now, and what’s the most cost-effective way to do it? We will clarify all the methods of exchanging Yen at Taiwanese banks.
Why exchange Yen? Not just for traveling
When exchanging foreign currency in Taiwan, Yen always ranks among the top three. But did you know? The demand far exceeds just travel needs.
In daily life, when shopping in Tokyo, Osaka, or other parts of Japan, many stores still primarily accept cash (credit card penetration is only about 60%), and this is especially true for skiing in Hokkaido or vacations in Okinawa. People purchasing Japanese cosmetics, clothing, or anime merchandise often need to pay directly in Yen. Additionally, those planning to study abroad or work in Japan usually exchange currency in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.

From Panic over Depreciation to a Single-Day Surge of 5%: TWD Appreciates to 40-Year Highs
In just one month, Taiwan's foreign exchange market shifted dramatically from fears of the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD) depreciating to 34 or 35 yuan, to a surge of appreciation. In the first two trading days of May, the NTD appreciated nearly 10%, with a single-day increase setting a 40-year record.
On May 2nd, the USD to TWD exchange rate surged by 5% in one day, closing at 31.064 yuan, hitting a 15-month high. Then, on May 5th, it surged another 4.92%, with intraday trading breaking the psychological 30 yuan barrier, reaching a low of 29.59 yuan, startling the entire foreign exchange market. This intense volatility even caused trading volume to reach the third-highest record in history.
Compared to other Asian currencies, although the RMB, HKD, JPY, and SGD all appreciated, the speed and magnitude of the TWD's appreciation are unmatched in the region.