The government will adopt a policy of increasing supply of apartments on the market rather than using financial or other measures to stem the continuing rise in housing prices.

Taiwan's economics ministry denied a newspaper report that it rejected an application submitted by a group led by Primus Financial Holdings Ltd. to buy the local unit of American International Group Inc.

China Strategic Holdings Ltd. aims to maintain long-term control of Taiwan's Nan Shan Life Insurance Co. after buying it from American International Group Inc., Chief Executive Officer Raymond Or said.

Perng Fai-nan, governor of Taiwan's Central Bank, ruled out Thursday the possibility for him to work in the private sector after retirement, although his pay is relatively low compared with the central bankers of major countries.

The government is going to ease restrictions for Taiwan screen panel makers to invest in China as long as they keep their focus on the island, a local newspaper yesterday quoted Premier Wu Den-yih as saying.

Taiwan has seen a decline in speculative capital from overseas, central bank Governor Perng Fai-nan said, more than a week after the island's financial regulator banned foreigners from placing funds in time deposits.

Stocks are falling in early morning trading following the lead of overseas markets and as the dollar strengthened.

AOL Inc., the struggling Internet company, plans to cut about a third of its workers if its planned spinoff from Time Warner Inc. goes through.

American Express Co. is buying Revolution Money for about US$300 million to keep up with trends in electronic payments, where new security features and online transaction options are shaking up traditional models.

Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Ltd.'s Chairman Ronald Arculli said asset bubbles may be looming in Asia amid burgeoning stock and property prices.