The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is pushing to close a persistent financing gap for micro, small and medium enterprises, with bank loans to the sector reaching more than P580 billion but accounting for only about 6 percent of total business lending.
Treasury bill yields rose across all maturities at Monday’s auction as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ recent rate hike pushed borrowing costs higher and investors braced for the possibility of further monetary tightening.
Philippine inflation eased to a five-month low of 6.1 percent in August, offering some relief after prices accelerated sharply earlier this year, but the reading remained elevated enough to underscore the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ decision to raise interest rates last week.
Treasury bill yields rose across all tenors at Monday’s auction as investors priced in the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ recent rate hike and the possibility of further monetary tightening.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on Thursday delivered a preemptive 25-basis-point rate hike and left the door open to further tightening as stubborn inflationary pressures threaten to keep prices above the central bank’s target range.
The US has awarded USD34.1 million to strengthen the Philippines’ ube industry, with more than 12,500 Filipino farmers expected to benefit over five years as international demand grows for the purple yam used in food and beverage products.
The Philippines is seeking Japanese financing and investment to reduce energy and logistics costs, with the Luzon Economic Corridor emerging as a priority under a renewed partnership between the Department of Finance (DOF) and Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).
More than 15 automotive brands are showcasing electric vehicles (EVs) at the 14th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit, underscoring growing competition in the local market as rising global oil prices sharpen the economic case for alternatives to imported fuel.
Alex Eala may have run out of answers against fellow southpaw Diana Shnaider in Ningbo, but her China campaign still delivered a little consolation: a one-place climb in the world rankings.