Singapore-based DBS Bank is bullish that downward inflation and interest rates would bolster consumer spending as well as private investments in the Philippines even as economic growth would likely slow in the next two years. DBS Bank projects an average growth of 6.0 percent for this year, but...
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) has intensified its push for its own free-trade agreement among its 21 member-economies to complement as well as fill in the gaps of existing FTAs in the region. The 2024 APEC Leaders' Machu Picchu Declaration in Lima, Peru, last Nov. 16 also committed...
A ranking official of the United States Commerce has arrived in the Philippines to explore potential trade and investment opportunities in the country for American companies. Marisa Lago, undersecretary of US Commerce for International Trade, is now in Manila to advance US trade and investment...
The Philippines' chief economist is looking forward to benefits in case talks for a free-trade agreement (FTA) between the Philippines and the United States can be kickstarted when Donald J. Trump returns to the White House early next year. "Of course, we should" was Socioeconomic...
While the government maintains that a robust middle class will propel the country to a predominantly middle-class society within the next 15 years, economists warned that a lack of quality, stable jobs poses a threat to this goal. The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said that a...
With economic growth slowing to its lowest pace since the second quarter of 2023, economists pointed to lower inflation and eased monetary policy as potential catalysts for boosting consumption, although trade barriers and peso volatility could hinder this progress. "Admittedly, a continued boost...
The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) remains confident that the government can still achieve its full-year growth target despite a slowdown in gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the third quarter of 2024. In a briefing on Thursday, Nov. 7, the Philippine Statistics Authority...
By Derco Rosal The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board has approved funding extensions and budget increases for two major flood-control projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), amounting to 79.73 billion. “Both projects will receive supplemental...
The construction period for two of the government's flood mitigation projects in Cavite and Metro Manila has been extended to up to five more years and consequently received additional funding. President Marcos on Tuesday, Nov. 5, first approved the extension of the construction period and...
By Derco Rosal The country's inflation rate rose to 2.3 percent from September’s four-year low of 1.9 percent due to soaring rice prices which jumped following recent calamities including Severe Tropical Storm (STS) Kristine and Super Typhoon Leon. October's inflation pushed the 10-month...
By DERCO ROSAL While the majority of expectations nod to an uptick in October inflation, economists surveyed by Manila Bulletin hold mixed forecasts for the Philippines’ third-quarter 2024 economic performance, noting both growth opportunities and possible risks ahead. Following the four-year low...
President Marcos has urged private businesses to continue working with the government to achieve the administration's goal towards economic growth. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (MB File Photo/Noel B. Pabalate) "Moving forward, I urge the PCCI to continue working with us so we can achieve our...
