TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Cathay Financial Holdings (國泰金控), Taiwan's largest financial services company, released Monday (Dec. 22) its December national economic confidence survey showing 57% of respondents expect year-end bonuses between one to three months of regular salaries next year. The survey revealed 48% believe their monthly salaries will remain unchanged in 2026, while 46% anticipate increases.
The survey collected 13,154 valid responses from Dec. 1 to 7 through Cathay Life Insurance (國泰人壽) and Cathay United Bank (國泰世華銀行), Taiwan's major financial institutions, customers. Among respondents expecting salary increases, 8% foresee rises exceeding 3%. Year-end bonus expectations show 29% predict bonuses of less than one month, 14% anticipate more than three months, with 7% expecting over five months.
The survey highlighted a slight decline in the public's economic outlook and consumer willingness to spend. The desire to purchase homes increased marginally to -41.6, while the willingness to sell homes dropped to -34.0. Optimism surrounding artificial intelligence sparked cautious trading among investors, causing fluctuations in international and Taiwan stock markets.
The optimism index for Taiwan stocks fell to 25.1, and the risk appetite index weakened to 18.1, reflecting cautious sentiment among investors. The Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics (主計總處), Taiwan's statistics agency, forecasted Nov. 28 Taiwan's economic growth rate for 2026 at 3.54% and the inflation rate at 1.61%. These figures reflect investors navigating the current economic landscape with caution.