The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has lowered its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 5 percent, marking the central bank’s first rate cut of the year and signaling a shift toward a more accommodative monetary policy stance.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is widely expected to deliver its third interest rate cut of 2025 later this week, trimming the benchmark rate by 25 basis points to 5 percent. Analysts cite a stable peso, subdued inflation of below one percent, and the need to support domestic demand in a sluggish global environment as key drivers of the anticipated move.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) may find further justification to hold policy rates steady—or tilt more dovishly—as global markets digest a wave of economic data next week, amid lingering effects of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s dovish tone from the Jackson Hole Symposium.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. is pushing to position “Bicol Cacao” as a globally recognized brand, citing the region’s ideal conditions and increasing recognition for premium beans and chocolate.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell signaled Friday that the U.S. central bank may cut interest rates at its next policy meeting in September, citing growing risks to the labor market and ongoing inflation pressures.