The country's balance of payments (BOP) posted a surplus of USD609 million in 2024, a decline from the USD3.7 billion surplus in 2023, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). This, the BSP said, was driven by a widened current account deficit, which grew by 41.4 percent to USD17.5 billion for the year. The deficit stemmed from a larger trade deficit and reduced receipts in services, partially offset by increased income transfers.
Gold, as an asset, isn’t considered a favorable investment by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), as it typically leads to a negative carry due to custodial costs and price volatility.
Foreign direct investments (FDI) flowed inward on a net basis in December 2024, totaling USD110 million, representing a stark 85.2 percent decline from USD743 million from a year earlier. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) traced the drop primarily to increased debt repayments by resident corporations to foreign investors, which caused a shift in FDI composition.
The country's gross international reserves (GIR), an indicator of capacity to pay for trade and maturing debt, saw a significant rise in February, reaching USD106.7 billion, up from USD103.3 billion in January, according to the latest data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) Secretary and Lead Convenor Manny Pacquiao is joining forces with Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. to strengthen government efforts to alleviate poverty, particularly among farmers and fisherfolk, who remain among the country’s most economically vulnerable sectors.
Business groups and tax experts are urging the government to rethink a proposed more-than-200 percent hike in sweetened beverage excise taxes, warning that steep increases could squeeze consumers, hurt small businesses and fail to deliver the expected revenue and public health gains.
Lenovo has expanded its Personal AI vision with a new consumer device portfolio that brings smarter, connected AI experiences alongside bold, style-focused designs — all at accessible price points.
Globe Platinum has reimagined the traditional crowded iPhone launch experience, rolling out intimate, simultaneous midnight unboxing events across Manila, Cebu, and Davao ahead of the nationwide iPhone 18 release.