Markets

Senator Bam Aquino has once again criticized the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), raising concerns that a proposed regulation requiring permits for advertisements and promotional campaigns could create an additional bureaucratic burden for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and online sellers.

The Philippine peso is again nearing record lows as persistent inflation, geopolitical tensions, and strong US dollar demand continue to pressure local markets. Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said the peso could retest historic weakness after falling 1.8% this week and approaching the April 30 intraday low of P61.75 against the dollar.

The Philippine stock market remains cautiously constructive as investors weigh short-term macro headwinds against improving medium-term earnings visibility.

The Philippine stock market is navigating a mixed outlook as the PSEi contends with renewed foreign selling, offset partially by improving domestic investor sentiment and anticipated foreign inflows into the local bond market.

The Philippine stock market is expected to stay under pressure in the near term, as global uncertainties and a weak peso continue to dampen investor sentiment, according to 2TradeAsia.com.