Germany’s Economic Recovery Slows as Trade Tensions and Rising Costs Weigh on Growth 
European Oil & Gas Stocks Face 2026 With Cautious Outlook Amid Valuation Pressure 
Dollar Slides to Five-Week Low as Asian Stocks Struggle and Markets Bet on Fed Rate Cut 
Gold Prices Edge Higher as Markets Await Key U.S. PCE Inflation Data 
Asian Markets Stabilize as Wall Street Rebounds and Rate Concerns Ease 
Citi Sets Bullish 2026 Target for STOXX 600 as Fiscal Support and Monetary Easing Boost Outlook 
Gold Prices Steady as Markets Await Key U.S. Data and Expected Fed Rate Cut 
Japan’s Nikkei Drops as Markets Await Key U.S. Inflation Data 
U.S. Futures Steady as Rate-Cut Bets Rise on Soft Labor Data 
Dollar Holds Steady as Markets Shift Focus to 2026 Rate Cut Expectations 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as Ukraine Tensions and Fed Cut Expectations Support Market 
Spain’s Industrial Output Records Steady Growth in October Amid Revised September Figures 
Asian Currencies Edge Higher as Markets Look to Fed Rate Cut; Rupee Steadies Near Record Lows 
Oil Prices Rise as Ukraine Targets Russian Energy Infrastructure 
Asian Markets Mixed as RBI Cuts Rates and BOJ Signals Possible Hike 
Australia’s Economic Growth Slows in Q3 Despite Strong Investment Activity 
China’s Services Sector Posts Slowest Growth in Five Months as Demand Softens 
Philippine annual inflation edged up to 1.4% in June from 1.3% in May, driven by higher utility costs, yet remained below the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) target range of 2% to 4% for 2025. The figure also came in lower than the 1.5% median forecast in a Reuters poll, bringing the year-to-date average inflation to 1.8%.
The slight acceleration was largely due to increased prices in housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels, which rose 3.2% compared to 2.3% in May, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. This was partly balanced by a record 14.3% drop in rice prices, easing overall food inflation.
Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy components, remained steady at 2.2% in June, reflecting underlying price stability.
The BSP expects inflation to stay below the lower end of its target through 2025, citing continued declines in rice prices as a key factor. This outlook supports the possibility of further monetary easing.
BSP Governor Eli Remolona signaled that the central bank could cut interest rates two more times this year to stimulate economic growth amid rising global uncertainties. The BSP lowered its benchmark rate for the second consecutive time in June, bringing it to 5.25%—its lowest level in over two years.
The central bank’s next policy meeting is scheduled for August 28, with market participants closely watching for any signals on future rate adjustments.
With inflation subdued and room for policy maneuvering, the Philippines is positioned to support its economy while keeping price pressures in check.
