Taipei Times
Date: Jul 01, 2016
By: Crystal Hsu / Staff reporter

The composite index for the domestic manufacturing industry flashed the 14th “blue” signal in May with the total score falling, indicating that operating conditions deteriorated due to volatility on global equity markets, the Taiwan Institute of Economic Research (TIER, 台經院) said in a report yesterday.

The index lost 0.23 points to 9.89 from April’s 10.12, keeping the monitor signal in recession.

According to the TIER, points below the 10.5 mark indicate a recession and those below 13 suggest a slowdown, while values above the neutral 16 threshold signify an upturn.

“Uncertainty over the global economy and raw material prices dampened investment interest,” the Taipei-based institute said.     [FULL  STORY]