Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
BOJ Governor Ueda Meets Key Ministers as Markets Eye Policy Shifts Under New Leadership 
Asian Markets Mixed as Fed Rate Cut Bets Grow and Japan’s Nikkei Leads Gains 
New RBNZ Governor Anna Breman Aims to Restore Stability After Tumultuous Years 
BOK Expected to Hold Rates at 2.50% as Housing and Currency Pressures Persist 
Asia’s IPO Market Set for Strong Growth as China and India Drive Investor Diversification 
Japan’s Finance Minister Signals Alignment With BOJ as Rate Hike Speculation Grows 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Fed Rate Cut Odds Rise as December Decision Looks Increasingly Divided 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
Kazakhstan Central Bank Holds Interest Rate at 18% as Inflation Pressures Persist 
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) kept its policy rate unchanged, citing global uncertainties, with Governor Eli Remolona hinting at possible 50 basis point cuts in 2025.
The unexpected decision reflects concerns over global trade tensions. Remolona told CNBC, “We’re hedging to avoid reversing course. We aim to stay on an easing trajectory.” On One News TV, he added that pausing now was less disruptive than cutting prematurely and backtracking.
The move follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for reciprocal tariffs, heightening trade war risks and inflation concerns. While Remolona noted limited direct impact from U.S. policies, he warned of significant global spillover effects.
The Philippine economy, driven by domestic consumption, underperformed in Q4 2024. To address global uncertainties, the 2025 growth target widened to 6.0%-8.0% from 6.5%-7.5%.
The BSP will continue monitoring global trends and consult with peers before its next policy review on April 3. Investors await further signals on the central bank's easing path.
