Taiwan: Growth surges with AI exports – Standard Chartered

FXStreet Insights Team FXStreet

Standard Chartered’s Senior Economist Tommy Wu raises Taiwan’s 2026 GDP growth forecast to 8.0% from 3.8%, citing strong Q4-2025 expansion and robust global semiconductor demand. The bank expects economic momentum to stay firm through 2026, supported by booming ICT and electronics exports and a recent US trade deal, while growth remains uneven and income disparity may widen.

AI-driven export boom lifts outlook

"We raise our 2026 GDP growth forecast to 8.0% (from 3.8%) following strong Q4-2025 growth of 12.7% y/y and 2025 growth of 8.7%. The forecast upgrade in part reflects Q4’s strong q/q growth momentum (at 5.4%). While we expect some statistical payback in Q1-2026 following Q4’s unusually high growth, economic momentum is likely to remain robust through 2026 as we expect global semiconductor demand to remain on an upcycle and support Taiwan’s exports."

"In fact, exports grew 70% y/y in January ahead of the Lunar New Year holidays in February (following 49.4% growth in Q4-2025), as shipments of ICT products and electronic components surged."

"Also, the recent trade deal with the US would provide a relief to exporters, given the US accounted for 30% of Taiwan’s exports."

"Growth will likely remain uneven and further widen the household income disparity."

"We continue to expect the CBC to maintain selective credit control measures to curb property-related borrowing."

(This article was created with the help of an Artificial Intelligence tool and reviewed by an editor.)

Author

FXStreet Insights Team

FXStreet

The FXStreet Insights Team is a group of journalists that handpicks selected market observations published by renowned experts. The content includes notes by commercial as well as additional insights by internal and external analysts.

AUD/USD sits at three-week highs above 0.7000 on hawkish RBA-speak

AUD/USD holds a positive bias for the fourth straight day, trading above 0.7000 in the Asian session on Wednesday and at three-week highs. RBA Deputy Governor Andrew Hauser's hawkish remarks and inflation concerns underpin the pair. However, the upside appears capped as the US Dollar attracts some buyers amid looming US-Iran uncertainty.

USD/JPY remains confined in a familiar range below 158.50

USD/JPY sees some dip-buying in the Asian session on Wednesday, though it remains confined within a multi-week range near 158.50 as the uncertainty over the timing of the next BoJ rate hike keeps Japanese Yen bulls on the defensive. Meanwhile, hawkish Fed expectations, bolstered by inflation risks stemming from volatile oil prices, underpin the US Dollar. However, looming intervention fears could limit JPY losses and cap the currency pair.

Gold bounces off weekly low; Fed hike bets and modest USD recovery keep upside limited

Gold recovers slightly from the weekly low, around the $4,100 neighborhood, though the upside potential seems limited amid a bearish fundamental backdrop. Inflation risks stemming from volatile oil prices underpin prospects for further policy tightening by the US Federal Reserve. Furthermore, a modest US Dollar recovery from a near three-week low could contribute to capping bullion.

Zcash's bullish reversal eyes $1,698 peak on NU7 upgrade

Zcash (ZEC) shows signs of bullish recovery above $1,200 on Wednesday, following a 9% rebound the previous day linked to the upcoming NU7 upgrade. Blockworks released a Zcash holders report on Tuesday, highlighting steady network growth. The technical outlook for ZEC is bullish, with bulls eyeing an extended rally toward $1,698.

US – Midterm update: Pre-election tail risk scenarios

With two weeks until the US midterm elections on 3 November, early voting has already opened in more than 40 states. Prediction markets are broadly unchanged since we published our Midterm update, 13 October. The prediction market Polymarket continues to see Democrats winning both chambers as the most likely outcome, with a 62.5% probability.

The US Dollar fell. Gold didn't rally. That tells you everything

Gold (XAU/USD) is struggling to capitalize on a weaker US Dollar (USD), after repeatedly failing to establish itself above the $4,200 level. The precious metal remains confined to a relatively narrow trading range despite a combination of developments that would normally support higher prices.