Taiwanese confidence in the economy and stock investments has risen this month, driven by rallies on the stock exchange, according to a survey by Cathay Financial Holding Co. About 35.7% of respondents are optimistic about economic improvements in the next six months, while 40.5% expect the TAIEX to rise. This improved sentiment is linked to rebounds in the local bourse and increasing global interest in risky assets, spurred by expectations of the US Federal Reserve easing its monetary tightening cycle. Regarding investment strategies, 30.6% plan to increase their stock holdings, while a majority intend to maintain their positions. In real estate, 34.5% believe it’s a good time to sell, but 64.8% prefer a wait-and-see approach for buying properties.