Escalating conflict between the US and Iran has jolted global markets anew, driving crude prices toward seven-month highs of USD 67 per barrel and sharpening risks for oil-importing economies like the Philippines. For the peso, the spike is a familiar stress test: higher energy costs threaten to widen the trade deficit and reignite inflation pressures just as stability seemed within reach.

Local fuel prices are expected to increase again this week, with possible further spikes due to worsening tensions in the Middle East.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will lift its three-year moratorium on new online lending platforms starting April 1, signaling a major policy shift aimed at expanding competition while tightening oversight of the fast-growing digital lending sector.