After the first H7N9 case was reported in Taiwan, the Taiwan Stock Exchange's main index opened 8.33 points lower yesterday, at 8,015.38, on turnover of NT$2.259 billion, but the Ministry of Finance (MOF) expressed confidence in the government's ability to control the disease.

The Taiwan Institute of Economic Research (TIER, 台灣經濟研究院) yesterday upgraded its growth forecast for Taiwan's 2013 GDP to 3.71 percent, citing an increase in private investments.

Taiwan's Industrial Production Index (IPI) posted a 3.28-percent year-on-year decrease in March, the biggest decline since January 2012, according to figures released yesterday by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA).

Shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), the world's largest contract chip-maker, soared Friday morning after the company gave an optimistic sales outlook for the second quarter, dealers said.

The U.S. dollar fell against the New Taiwan dollar Friday, shedding NT$0.07 to close at NT$29.840 after foreign institutional investors served as net buyers in the stock market, boosting demand for the local currency, dealers said.

Shares in Taiwan moved sharply higher Friday as gains posted by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), the world's largest contract chip-maker, vaulted the broader market past the 7,900-point mark, dealers said.

The Department of Information and Tourism, Taipei City, launched an online vote for Taiwan's second most popular snack on April 17, said Commissioner Chao Hsin-ping (趙心屏), with participants going into the draw to win an iPad mini.

Economics Minister Chang Chia-juch set off for Indonesia Friday to attend a meeting of ministers responsible for trade from Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member-states.

Shares in Taiwan weakened to close below 7,800 points Thursday as local firms in Apple Inc.'s supply chain came under pressure after the U.S.-based electronics giant's share price took a beating overnight on Wall Street, dealers said.

The U.S. dollar rose against the New Taiwan dollar yesterday, gaining NT$0.01 to close at NT$29.910 after moving in a narrow range, as traders kept a close eye on a meeting of finance ministers and central bankers from the Group of 20 nations in Washington, dealers said.