MOODY’S Investors Service has set a stable outlook for the Asian power sector next year, noting that the industry is supported by steady cash flows, a gradual pace of regulatory change, a gradual transition to a low-carbon economy and sufficient mitigants against capital market volatility.

SENATORS on Wednesday said they want Malacañang to reconsider its decision to go ahead with the increased fuel excise tax in 2019 as called for by the tax reform law.

THE PESO plunged further against the dollar to hit a three-week low on Wednesday on profit taking amid slower inflation print for last month.

LOCAL SHARES fell on Wednesday, reflecting the steep decline of markets in the United States pulled down by fears of a recession alongside the return of trade war fears.

SENATE PRESIDENT Vicente C. Sotto III on Wednesday said his chamber could no longer tackle, due to time constraints, the draft federal charter that the House of Representatives approved on second reading on Tuesday.

AGRICULTURE Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol said he has already instructed board members of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) to submit their courtesy resignation in accordance with the reorganization of the agency under the Coco Levy Act.

DMCI Project Developers, Inc. has completed the construction of its Mirea Residences project in Pasig City eight months ahead of schedule, allowing unit owners to move in earlier than expected.

ENERGY Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi has advised PXP Energy Corp. to apply for an exploration and drilling program for its stalled project within the area in the West Philippine Sea or the South China Sea, a move that would prompt the agency’s next step in the disputed seas.

PHILIPPINE BANKS are expected to expand their net interest margins (NIM) in 2019 as market interest rates rise, Fitch Ratings said, noting that pressures on asset quality, fee income and operating expenses will be modest.

ALLIANZ MALAYSIA Bhd. and Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co. have been shortlisted to proceed to the next round of bidding for AmGeneral Insurance Bhd., in a deal that could value Malaysia’s second-biggest car insurer at about $800 million, people with knowledge of the matter said.

PLDT, Inc. said on Tuesday it has completed the acquisition of a minority stake in information and IT solutions provider Multisys Technologies Corp.

THE EUROPEAN UNION (EU) is set to unveil plans for challenging the dollar’s dominance in global markets, including energy, as it seeks to strengthen the international role of its currency and become more independent from the US amid a widening rift in transatlantic ties.