Philippine financial markets are heading into the week on a cautious footing as renewed threats by Iran to potentially close the Strait of Hormuz inject fresh volatility into global oil supply expectations and inflation outlooks, according to Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort.
The peso and Philippine equities continued to face mounting pressure as investors grappled with persistent inflation concerns, global market volatility, and cautious sentiment over the domestic outlook.
The Philippine peso is again nearing record lows as persistent inflation, geopolitical tensions, and strong US dollar demand continue to pressure local markets. Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said the peso could retest historic weakness after falling 1.8% this week and approaching the April 30 intraday low of P61.75 against the dollar.
Philippine financial markets are in a consolidation phase, with the peso and equities under pressure as tighter monetary conditions and inflation concerns weigh on sentiment.
Philippine Airlines (PAL) reported a 5.9 percent rise in first-half 2026 earnings, though a steep jump in fuel expenses pushed the country’s flag carrier to a net loss for the period.
Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. is strengthening its digital banking defenses with new security features designed to give customers greater control over their money as fraudsters become more adept at exploiting stolen credentials and human error.
The US, the Philippines, and Japan will bring investors together in Manila in September as they seek to turn the Luzon Economic Corridor into a bigger magnet for private capital and strategic infrastructure projects.
Shakey’s Pizza Asia Ventures (PSE:PIZZA | SPAVI) recorded 12 percent year-on-year growth in system-wide sales to ₱13.0 billion for the first half of 2026, with consolidated revenues up 9 percent to ₱8.2 billion. Performance faced pressure from inflation and reduced consumer spending, with second-quarter same-store sales dipping one percent year-on-year though rising 4 percent sequentially.