**Tai-Ex opening **

The Tai-Ex opened up 85-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 14,285

on turnover of 2.5-billion N-T.

The market closed slightly lower on Wednesday, as investor sentiment was hit

by lingering concerns over a possible recession (經濟衰退) as major central

banks around the world are continuing aggressive rate hikes.

Buying rotated to the financial sector throughout much of the trading day,

providing some support to the broader market to offset losses suffered by

select large tech stocks, in particular those in the semiconductor industry.

**Living Allowances for Disadvantaged Families Extended Through 2023 **

The Cabinet has extend the monthly living allowance of 750 N-T and 500 N-T

for individuals in low income and middle-to-low income households for an

additional year until the end of 2023.

According to the Cabinet, the Ministry of Health will coordinate with local

authorities to ensure eligible (有資格的) recipients receive the allowance

for January before the Lunar New Year holiday.

The living allowance plan is part of the government's coronavirus relief

measures.

A monthly cash payment of 750 N-T is given to those in low-income households

and 500 N-T is given to individuals in middle-to-low income households.

Those payments are on top of any existing allowances covering education,

health insurance, housing and other related expenses.

**Former NATO Head Touts Visit as a "Show of Support for Taiwan" **

Former NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen says his visit to Taiwan

this week is a show of "strong support" for the island's self-determination

and democracy.

Speaking during a meeting with President Tsai Ing-wen, Rasmussen said he's in

Taiwan to show his support for the island's rights to decide the future of

Taiwan for itself and to show support for its right to "exist (存在) in

freedom and peace."

The former NATO head arrived in Taiwan on Tuesday for a three-day trip and is

visiting in his capacity as the founder of the Denmark-based Alliance of

Democracies Foundation.

**US McCarthy Loses 6th US Speaker Vote **

After six rounds of voting the US House of Representatives has still not

agreed on a new House Speaker.

Republican Kevin McCarthy has been repeatedly (反复) blocked from winning the

majority of the votes by a group of hardliners (強硬派) in his own party.

It's the first time in a hundred that the House has been unable to elect a

Speaker.

Nick Harper reports from Washington.

**Australia to Buy US Missile and Rocket Systems **

Australia announced Thursday it will boost its defense capabilities by buying

advanced missile and rocket systems.

The purchase includes U.S.-made HIMARS which have been successfully used by

Ukraine’s military.

The Australian government said the HIMARS it was buying included launchers,

missiles and training rockets and would be in use by 2026.

It said the system had a range of 300 kilometers, which may improve

(提升、改進)with technological advances.

It also signed a contract with Norway-based Kongsberg to buy new missiles for

navy destroyers and frigates.

That was the I.C.R.T. news,

Check in again tomorrow for our simplified version of the news, uploaded

every day in the afternoon.

Enjoy the rest of your day, I'm _____.

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