The Taiwan Academy of Banking and Finance released its 2026 Taiwan Financial Life Survey on November 2. It found a growing share of people would sell stocks or funds when they need a large sum quickly, suggesting the stock-market boom has changed even household emergency habits.
According to United Daily News reports on November 2 and 3, the survey has been run every two years since 2020. Confidence in financial products and services jumped from 38.9% in 2024 to 64.1% this year. The report ties the mood to a stock rally driven by demand for artificial intelligence and semiconductors.
광고 문의 · 300×250The quantitative part interviewed adults aged 18 and over by landline and mobile phone, yielding 1,070 valid responses with a margin of error of about 3 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. Shih Hsin University professor Chang Chih-yao also held in-depth interviews with 36 college students aged 19 to 26 who have real investing experience. United Daily News gave no exact percentage for the stock-selling answer, so the size of the increase could not be confirmed.
From savings to shares
Traditionally, Taiwanese facing an urgent need for cash relied mainly on their own savings or on family and friends. In this survey, the share who would sell stocks or funds rose noticeably. Household finances look sound overall: 86.5% said their income covers living costs or leaves them comfortable, and 51.6% hold deposits covering at least six months of basic expenses.
Risks in a downturn and a generation gap
The report cautioned that the shift is not purely good news. Forced selling during a market dip can lock in losses. The institute advised keeping at least three months of living expenses in savings alongside investments. The survey also found advice sources moving from banks and professionals toward social media and online influencers.
A generational gap showed up too. Among people aged 70 and over, confidence in financial services is lower and e-payment use is only 39.9%, and about 20% have no way to raise a large sum in an emergency or do not know where to get it. College students use ETFs and fixed-amount investing to fight inflation, but the researchers warned of a small-capital paradox, in which low stakes can nudge young investors toward riskier products.