Taiwan's consumer mood improved slightly in August, a mildly good sign for the economy, though people have turned cautious about buying stocks.

• The overall confidence index edged up from July, with four of six sub-measures rising.
• Optimism about finding a job over the next six months rose the most, as the flood of new graduates into the job market fades.
• Views on prices, family finances, and the wider economy all improved a little.
• Confidence about buying stocks fell the most and stays the weakest reading by far, after a sharp drop in late July and choppy trading since.
• Attitudes toward buying a home or big-ticket goods barely moved.

Outlook: The job market should steady as graduation season ends, but many people plan to sit out the stock market until prices pull back to a level they consider a good entry point.