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).
Motorists and transport operators should brace for another round of fuel price hikes this week, with oil firms expected to implement significant upward adjustments across all fuel products starting Tuesday.
The Philippines reported a 14 percent increase in pineapple exports in 2024, shipping around 680,000 metric tons (MT) compared to 600,000 MT in 2023, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Security Bank was recognized with 10 prestigious honors at the Asian Banking & Finance (ABF) Awards held at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, highlighting the bank’s leadership in customer-centricity, digital innovation, sustainable finance, and financial inclusion.
Tagum Water, a bulk water service provider under Manila Water’s Non-East Zone operations, commemorated its 5th anniversary, celebrating half a decade of reliable and sustainable service in Tagum City.