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 Philippine stock market is navigating a mixed outlook as the PSEi contends with renewed foreign selling, offset partially by improving domestic investor sentiment and anticipated foreign inflows into the local bond market.
Philippine financial markets are expected to remain fragile this week, with investors bracing for continued volatility as risk aversion dominates sentiment and the benchmark index struggles to regain footing above key levels.
The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) slid 1.3 percent to 6,384.58, extending profit-taking for a second session after touching seven- to nine-month highs. Even so, the benchmark remains comfortably above the 6,000 mark, keeping the broader uptrend intact and suggesting the pullback is more consolidation than reversal.
Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has pledged strong support for Filipino hog raisers suffering from steep financial losses caused by cheap foreign pork and dropping farmgate prices.
Consumers and business owners face another week of contrasting fuel prices as global supply tensions continue to ripple through local pumps. Gasoline prices are projected to decrease by up to ₱1.00 per liter, offering mild relief to private motorists, while diesel prices are expected to rise significantly by up to ₱3.00 per liter, according to estimates from Jetti Petroleum.
DigiPlus Interactive Corp. aims to launch as many as 60 new games next year, expanding its lineup as competition heats up in the Philippine online gaming space. The company is also stepping up its focus on original, locally developed titles rather than relying on foreign content, setting it apart from many industry peers.
The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has confirmed analog television broadcasts in Mega Manila will officially cease on November 22, 2026, marking a major milestone in the country’s shift to digital TV. Deputy Commissioner Alvin Blanco said the target date is firm, and that television networks have been preparing public service announcements and information materials to help people get ready for the change.