Yuanta-Polaris raises Taiwan growth forecast to 3.66%

Want China Times
Date: 2015-03-26
By: CNA

The Yuanta-Polaris Research Institute raised its forecast of Taiwan’s gross domestic product

Shoppers on the bustling streets of Taipei's Ximendingd istrict over Chinese New Year, Feb. 18. (File photo/Chen Chun-wei)

Shoppers on the bustling streets of Taipei’s Ximendingd istrict over Chinese New Year, Feb. 18. (File photo/Chen Chun-wei)

growth for 2015 Wednesday to 3.66%, up by 0.21 percentage points from the previous estimate made in December last year.

Yuanta-Polaris, one of Taiwan’s leading economic think tanks, said the upgrade partly reflects stronger private consumption, while the greater contribution of net exports is expected to boost the economy this year as well.

However, the local economy remains shadowed by the persistent drought that has prompted the government to implement water rationing in certain areas, the think tank said.

In addition, a possible interest rate hike cycle to be launched by the US Federal Reserve could impose more uncertainty over the local economic climate, the think tank added.     [FULL  STORY]