Gradual BSP rate cuts likely by Q3
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is expected to make gradual interest rate cuts starting in the third quarter of the year, according to global banking giant Citi......»»
BSP governor says February rate cut not likely
In statements made to the press, BSP Governor Eli Remolona said that due to the “numbers we are seeing” a rate cut “is not likely (on) February 15”, which is the next scheduled meeting date for the BSP’s Monetary Board......»»
BSP Governor Eyes Potential Rate Cut as Inflation Eases
In a recent interview, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli Remolona Jr. hinted at a potential rate cut later this year, signaling optimism amid the nation’s economic landscape. While cautious about the first semester, Remolona remains watchful, stating that the move could come “within the year.” The BSP, responding to escalating inflation, had hiked […].....»»
DepEd’s gradual shift to old school calendar gets support
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) recently announced the gradual shift to the old school calendar. The current school year, 2023-2024, will end on May 31, 2024. Meanwhile, the start of the school year 2024-2025 will be July 29, 2024 and will end on May 16, 2025, according to Department Order No......»»
DepEd announces gradual return to old school calendar starting SY 2024-2025
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday announced the gradual return of the old school break starting next school year (SY). DepEd made the pronouncement through Department Order No. 003 S. of 2024. Based on the order, the adjusted end date of the current SY 2023 to 2024 shall be on May.....»»
DepEd confirms gradual return to old academic calendar
A Department of Education director confirmed that starting next school year, schools will be having an earlier class opening as part of the department's gradual revert to the old academic calendar......»»
Faster inflation could delay interest rate cuts – BDO
Faster inflation could delay monetary policy rate cuts from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas , according to an official from BDO Trusts and Investments, the investment arm of BDO Unibank Inc......»»
Market falls amid worries over rate cuts, China growth
Share prices ended in the red for a third session after another dour day across global markets, fuelled by a sense of resignation that the interest rate cuts long expected in March will not materialize due to stubbornly high inflation......»»
2.4M Dabawenyos working as of Oct 2023
The October 2023 Preliminary Employment report by the Philippine Statistics Authority-Davao Region (PSA-Davao) reveals that 64 percent of the 3.780 million Dabawenyos aged 15 and above are part of the labor force, indicating that 2.42 million individuals are employed. This represents a 1.8 percentage point increase from the previous year. The report also highlights a 97.1 percent employment rate in the Davao Region as of October 2023, with a 2.9 percent unemployment rate, lower than the national average. Despite this, the region still maintains the highest employment rate in the Philippines. Additionally, the report compares employment rates across different regions, with Soccsksargen, Barmm, Central Luzon, CAR, Caraga, Western Visayas, Cagayan Valley, Mimaropa, and Central Visayas surpassing the national average. The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm) records the highest labor force participation rate among 17 regions, while the Zamboanga Peninsula has the lowest rate. The data is collected through the Labor Force Survey (LFS) conducted quarterly and monthly by the PSA central office and its regional statistical services offices. The Davao Region, with nearly 6 million inhabitants, remains the 7th most populous region in the country......»»
BSP onboards 1st nonbank electronic money issuer
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) achieved a significant milestone by welcoming OmniPay, Inc. as the first nonbank electronic money issuer (EMI) participant in its Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) payment system, PhilPaSSplus. This move aligns with the National Payment Systems Act and signifies a more inclusive national payment system, allowing nonbank financial institutions to conduct efficient and low-risk funds transfers directly through the central bank. Assistant Governor Mary Anne P. Lim emphasized the BSP's commitment to safeguarding the entire Peso RTGS payment system amidst global trends of diversified participation. With 236 institutions, including various banks and nonbank entities, utilizing PhilPaSSplus for large value transactions and retail payment clearing, the BSP's initiative reflects a broader trend of central banks facilitating direct access for nonbank entities to settlement services. This development comes as international standard-setting bodies work on access guidelines to manage risks in evolving payment systems with new players and financial technologies......»»
BSP sees room for further rate hike
After discounting the possibility of a rate cut in the first half of the year, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) believes there is still room to raise interest rates amid the country’s robust economic growth......»»
BSP keeps policy rate at 6.5%
In the MB’s first policy rate meeting in 2024, the MB held steady at a 6.5% benchmark interest rate as the country’s inflation risks continued to lean on the upside. .....»»
Peso may outperform peer currencies this year
The peso is seen outperforming other currencies in the region this year, but is not likely to strengthen against the dollar due to expectations of delayed rate cuts and the Philippines’ trade deficit, according to British banking giant HSBC......»»
Rate cuts to help investments regain momentum – economist
The country’s investment climate will likely regain its momentum once policy rates here and abroad start to normalize in the second half of the year, coupled with economic reforms meant to attract foreign capital......»»
Philippines inflation rate slows to 2.8 pct in January
MANILA, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Year-on-year inflation in the Philippines further eased to 2.8 percent in January from 3.9 percent in December 2023, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said on Tuesday. PSA head Dennis Mapa told a press conference that the January inflation rate is the lowest since the 2.3 percent inflation rate was recorded in October 2020. In January 2023, inflation rate was 8.7 percent.....»»
Think tank sees likelihood of BSP rate cuts starting Q2
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is expected to start cutting interest rates in the second quarter following the economic growth posted last year, according to UK-based think tank Pantheon Macroeconomics......»»
BSP seen to start rate cuts in August
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas could start slashing interest rates in August this year until the first quarter of 2025 after keeping key rates elevated for a longer period of time, Nomura Global Markets Research said......»»
BSP rate cuts seen in lockstep with US Fed
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is expected to move in lockstep with the US Federal Reserve as it pivots to an easing cycle after emerging as the most aggressive central bank in the region......»»
BSP: Inflation likely eased further in January
Headline inflation likely slowed further for the fourth straight month in January, ranging between 2.8 and 3.6 percent, after easing to a 22-month low of 3.9 percent in December, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas......»»
BSP on guard vs inflation risks amid El Niño
The BSP chief said headline inflation likely further accelerated to 3.9 percent in March from 3.4 percent in February due to base effects, but lower than the 7.6 percent in March 2023......»»
Maybe no Fed rate cuts in FY24?
A recent CNBC article captured the growing concern that the US Federal Reserve’s first rate cut – the infamous “pivot” – might not happen until “at least September”, and discusses a few analysts (including those from Bank of America) who have said that there is “real risk” that the first cut might not even come until March 2025......»»