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 jobless rate drops to decades-low in December 2023
MANILA, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- The unemployment rate in the Philippines decreased to 3.1 percent in December 2023, the lowest since 2005, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said on Wednesday. "The full-year unemployment rate for 2023 was 4.3 percent compared to 5.4 percent in 2022," PSA head Dennis Mapa said at a press conference. Mapa said about 1.60 million were jobless in December last year. "This w.....»»
Consumers express mixed reactions on slight power rate increase
Consumers of Davao Light and Power Co., Inc. have expressed mixed reactions to a slight increase in the overall power rate starting January 2024. The increase is attributed to higher market prices affecting the generation rate. Noriza Mabanding, a virtual assistant, noted the impact on her energy usage and the need to schedule appliance usage to save energy. Jenalyn Manguiob, a small business owner, expressed dissatisfaction with the increase's effect on her business but acknowledged the global market's influence and the importance of conserving energy. The increase amounts to P0.0774 per kWh, resulting in a minor increase in electricity bills for residential customers......»»
Government urged to keep spending, avoid high surplus
The government should not keep a high surplus and instead continue to ramp up spending in order to meet the growing needs of the economy, an economist said......»»
Suspension of PhilHealth contributions sought for minimum wage earners
An economist-lawmaker from the House of Representatives has proposed to suspend the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. premium contributions of all minimum wage earners to increase their take-home pay......»»
Larry Summers warns that the war vs inflation might not be over
Larry Summers, the former US Treasury Secretary (under President Bill Clinton) and former Chief Economist of the World Bank, said that the US Federal Reserve may still need to raise rates before it can declare victory in the war against inflation......»»
Democracy index: Philippines ranking goes down again
Still classified as a “flawed democracy,” the Philippines has scored and ranked lower in the 2023 Democracy Index released by London-based think tank The Economist Intelligence Unit on Thursday......»»
US markets tank on hotter-than-expected inflation report
The US Consumer Price Index data for January [link] showed that prices increased 0.3% q/q and 3.1% y/y, which was higher than economist estimates (0.2% q/q and 2.9% y/y)......»»
Stocks sink on rising geopolitical tensions
The stock market took its deepest plunge for the year as concerns over escalating geopolitical tensions overseas and delayed rate cuts at home prevailed......»»
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......»»
Cuts in bank reserves unlikely soon – BSP
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is unlikely to cut banks’ reserve requirement ratio in the third quarter, amid expectations of policy rate cuts in the second half of the year......»»
Meralco cuts power rates in April
The Manila Electric Company will slash power rates in April, ending three consecutive months of rate hikes since the first quarter of 2024. .....»»
Moody’s outlook: Philippine banks remain on stable footing
Moody’s Investors Service has maintained a stable outlook for Philippine banks as interest rate cuts from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas this year are seen to support economic recovery......»»
Inflation rises 3.4% in February, ending 4-month decline
The country's inflation rate gained momentum in February 2024 as the costs of food and non-alcoholic beverages surged, ending a four-month decline......»»
US inflation, BSP action on investors radar this week
The stock market will attempt to sustain its momentum this week as investors look to get inspiration from upcoming US economic data and the policy rate-setting meeting of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas......»»
BPI sees stronger credit growth
Bank of the Philippine Islands expects a robust growth in credit this year amid the country’s economic expansion and the planned interest rate cuts by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas......»»
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......»»
Positive movement in S& P 500 futures following Meta and Amazon results preceding upcoming jobs report
Title: Tech Giants Fuel Market Optimism Amidst Fears of Rate Cuts in March Date: [Insert Date] Word Count: [300-400 words] The Daily Guardian – Amidst.....»»
Stocks move in step with Asia-wide rally
Local stocks recovered yesterday, moving in step with Asian peers, ahead of US inflation data that could influence the Federal Reserve’s thinking on rate cuts, while the crypto world got a boost after exchange-traded funds to track Bitcoin were approved in the United States......»»
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......»»