The US Federal Reserve decided on Wednesday to keep its benchmark interest rates unchanged, as it awaits new developments that could reshape the economic outlook and inflation trajectory.
Lower food prices in February contributed to a drop in inflation to 2.1 percent for the month. This was slower than both central bank and market forecasts, and marked a significant decline from 2.9 percent in January.
Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto hailed the significant drop in inflation to 2.1 percent in February, marking the lowest rate since October 2024. He said the reduction provides vital relief to lower-income families, particularly on food prices. The bottom 30 percent income group's inflation rate fell to 1.5 percent, further easing the financial strain on vulnerable sectors.
House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez welcomed the unexpected deceleration in February inflation, calling it “great news for every Filipino family.” Inflation slowed to 2.1% in February, below the lower end of the central bank’s 2.2%-3.0% forecast, a sign the economic policies of the Marcos administration are working. “This proves that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s economic team is getting the job done,” he said. Romualdez said the administration is unwavering in its focus on stabilizing prices, ensuring food security, and protecting the purchasing power of Filipinos. The House of Representatives is fully supporting these efforts by passing laws to lower food costs, stabilize energy prices, and create more jobs. “The past few years have been tough, but numbers don’t lie—our economy is getting stronger,” Romualdez added. “This is the result of sound leadership, strong policies, and the resilience of the Filipino people.”
Inflation in the Philippines for February defied expectations, slowing to a lower-than-anticipated 2.1 percent, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). This marked a significant drop from January’s 2.9 percent and was below the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) forecast range of 2.2 percent to 3 percent.
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.