Context.ph

The US launched military strikes against Iran on Tuesday after accusing Tehran of attacking three commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions in the Middle East. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the strikes were intended "to impose heavy costs" on Iran for targeting civilian-crewed commercial shipping in international waters, calling the attacks "a clear violation of the ceasefire." Earlier, the US Treasury Department barred new sales of Iranian oil after July 7, tightening sanctions. The twin developments sent global oil prices higher amid fears of renewed disruption to shipping through the critical energy corridor.

Residential property demand is gathering pace north of Metro Manila, with land values in key Central Luzon growth corridors climbing far faster than in the more established southern market as infrastructure upgrades and industrial investments reshape the country's next housing hotspots.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) is urging Philippine businesses to stay on guard against trade and foreign exchange risks, warning that months of geopolitical disruptions will continue to weigh on cash flows and profitability even as global oil prices retreat and key shipping routes reopen.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said the country's gross international reserves (GIR) remained robust at USD104.8 billion as of end-June 2026, providing a solid financial buffer despite easing from USD110.8 billion at the close of 2025. The central bank said the reserve level remains more than sufficient to support the economy against external shocks while ensuring the country's ability to meet import requirements and service foreign debt obligations.

In business, the sharpest investment isn't always a new production line or gleaming machinery. Sometimes, it is handing someone a knife—after the proper training, of course.