TAIPEI (TVBS News) — More than 40% of Taiwanese plan to spend their NT$10,000 (around US$328) government cash handouts on travel and consumption, according to a Cathay Financial Holdings survey released Monday (Oct. 20). The Legislative Yuan, Taiwan's parliament, approved the special resilience budget in its third reading, with cash distribution beginning early November. This economic stimulus measure targets boosting consumer spending and domestic investment across Taiwan.
Cathay Financial Holdings conducted a national economic confidence survey collecting 12,840 valid responses from Oct. 1 to 7, revealing 41% of respondents intend using the cash for travel and consumption. Among them, 26% plan domestic travel while 15% consider international trips. Additionally, 32% aim to invest in stocks, funds, or foreign currencies, and 14% prefer saving the money.
The survey explored the impact of the "Good Pregnancy 3" (好孕3方案) program, Taiwan's initiative to boost national birth rates. The program includes expanding affordable childcare services and IVF treatment subsidies. Results showed 44% of respondents believe the program has limited influence, 37% see no impact, 16% report partial increases in childbearing willingness, and only 3% report significant increases in family expansion desires.
The survey finds optimism about Taiwan's economic outlook rising, with large-scale consumption plans index increasing to 5.9 and durable goods consumption climbing to -14.1. Home-buying willingness slightly improved to -45.1, while home-selling index rose to -32.4. Taiwan's stock market optimism increased to 24.8 and risk appetite rose to 17.2, partly from U.S. Federal Reserve interest rate cuts boosting markets.