The Federal Reserve lowered its benchmark interest rate Wednesday for the second time this year, aiming to support economic growth and hiring even as inflation remains elevated. But Fed Chairman Jerome Powell cautioned that another cut at the central bank meeting in December is far from certain.
Treasury bill rates continued to ease this week as investors bet on the growing likelihood of monetary policy easing, following softer-than-expected inflation data in the US.
With official jobs data unavailable due to the US government shutdown since October 1, markets turned to the Federal Reserve’s Beige Book for a pulse on the economy. It merely confirmed what previous official data showed—tepid business and economic activity that had earlier spurred the Fed to cut interest rates in hopes of jumpstarting a muted labor market.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Monday signaled the likelihood of further monetary policy easing, saying recent data suggest little change in inflation and employment conditions since the central bank’s last rate cut in September.
Fuel prices will see mixed adjustments again this week, driven by shifting global oil prices tied to tensions in the Middle East, according to a local fuel retailer.
Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) reported a 3 percent drop in net income for the first quarter of 2026, totaling ₱2.25 billion from ₱2.32 billion a year earlier, due to rising costs and expenses.
PLDT Enterprise rolled out free WiFi in quake-hit areas — General Santos City, Sarangani, Glan, Jose Abad Santos, and parts of Davao Occidental — serving thousands of residents.
Globe Telecom is stepping up infrastructure and resiliency upgrades in Aklan and Antique to boost connectivity for residents, businesses, schools, hospitals, and government offices amid the growing digital economy.