THE reimposition of lockdowns amid renewed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) concerns, coupled with weaker economic recovery prospects drove sentiment in the country’s financial markets for much of the second quarter.

ANALYSTS noted the relatively better performance of banks in the second quarter due to higher earnings but said the attractiveness of bank stocks remain tied to prospects of economic recovery.

FITCH RATINGS on Monday cut its outlook on rated local lenders to reflect the revision done for the Philippines, which could mean a rating...

MONETARY AUTHORITIES have repeatedly said the banking industry still has sufficient resources and buffers, but amid the rising soured loans, it still pays to have a safety net for banks should they be overburdened with these nonperforming assets (NPAs).

FINANCIAL MARKETS in the first quarter of 2021 continued to be driven by developments surrounding the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic with the arrival of vaccines lifting investor sentiment in the early part of the quarter before being offset by the renewed strict lockdowns due to a fresh surge in coronavirus cases.

ANALYSTS remain cautiously optimistic on bank stocks amid uncertainties surrounding the prospects of easing lockdown restrictions and the pace of vaccinations, which would influence demand for loans as well as the willingness of banks to lend.

THE RAPID growth in digital transactions has often been cited as the silver lining for economies currently constricted by lockdown restrictions due to the pandemic. Even so, this increase has also exposed businesses and households to an increased threat of cyberattacks.

JENNIFER L. DACANAY, a 48-year-old housewife wished to upgrade her credit card status. Unfortunately, she faced credit card fraud and lost some money in the process.

THE FOURTH QUARTER of 2020 saw local financial markets rebound somewhat with reports of the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) vaccine developments and expectations of economic recovery driving performance during the period.

ANALYSTS expect bank stocks to perform better this year as market players look for catalysts that will aid on economic recovery, but noted banks’ provisions for credit losses to continue weighing down on their outlook.

The jury is still out on the net impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on bancassurance firms following a rough year of extended quarantines and economic recession.

REGARDLESS of the nature of the disaster, the poor are usually the ones most affected as any negative impact on their assets and consumption levels threaten their subsistence.