Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, chairman of Ayala Corp., struck a cautiously optimistic tone on the Philippines’ economic outlook, projecting a rebound as near-term risks begin to ease and structural strengths remain intact.
The Philippines faces a markedly weaker growth trajectory after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) cut its 2026 expansion forecast to 4.1 percent, citing intensifying global shocks and a softer domestic backdrop.
Rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the looming effects of El Niño are emerging as twin headwinds to Philippine growth, with remittances and inflation pressures forming a potentially volatile mix.
Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan cautioned lawmakers that a prolonged Middle East conflict could trigger a severe economic shock in the Philippines, with surging oil prices threatening to reverse gains in poverty reduction.
Treasury bill yields continued to ease at Monday’s auction as investors positioned for a possible shift toward monetary easing by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) amid weakening economic momentum.
The Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) forecasts around 1.89 million passengers passing through its facilities from October 25 to November 4 this year, as Filipinos travel home for All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has released the regulatory framework governing market making activities, bringing Philippine market practices in line with international standards to improve liquidity, strengthen price formation, and support capital raising in the country’s financial markets.
Amid the ongoing El Niño dry spell, local hydropower developers are urging the government to step up assistance and put in place clearer policies to speed up project rollout across the country.
FINANCIAL ANALYSTS EXPECT Mynt Inc., the parent company of dominant e-wallet operator GCash, to maintain a steady upward trajectory following its upcoming debut on the Philippine Stock Exchange, though its performance may resemble the measured pace of a mature corporate giant rather than a high-speed startup.