Inflation is actually a lot higher than you think
AFTER almost a decade in hibernation, gold bugs are roaming the earth again. A fast drop in the dollar’s real yield and the uptick of a favored gauge of inflation expectations have sent the metal on a wild ride.
On microfinance’s identity crisis: The implications
By Daniela Luz Laurel
In last week’s column, we questioned whether Microfinance has shifted away from its initial mission of targeting the poorest of the poor as it becomes more and more institutionalized and commercialized over time.
China may be the answer to Janet Yellen’s ‘mystery’
By Daniel Moss
TREASURY SECRETARY Janet Yellen’s “mystery” may be moving toward resolution.
The nuclear option for Asian industrialization
By Bienvenido S. Oplas, Jr.
It was a successful forum we held last week on Feb. 8. The 2nd Ruperto P. Alonzo Memorial Lecture, “The Nuclear Option,” saw about...
COVID-19 and the coming new normal for business
By Jose Xavier ‘Eckie’ Gonzales
The new normal for the world is that, until a vaccine is found, COVID-19 is here to stay. We had better learn how to...
Messengerial service
By Tony Samson
FILIPINO sociologist Mary Racelis-Hollsteiner noted the need for Smooth Interpersonal Relationship (SIR) as part of our culture. We have an aversion for face-to-face confrontation,...
Banks are to manage sustainability risks, and what if they don’t?
By Daniela Luz Laurel
So many exciting things going on this week, despite the long weekend holiday: an Econ data dump including trade, IHS Markit, PMI, employment, a Fed Meeting over in the US, at least 10 blue chip stocks to report third quarter earnings and many pivotal decisions on reopening the economy, including public transport now moving up to 70% capacity, and the possibility that with a lowering of the capital’s COVID-19 restrictions to Alert Level 2 we may truly be on our way back to a normal life.
Kindness stations and community pantries
By Amelia H.C. Ylagan
“The Feeding of the Multitude” in Tabgha, Galilee is among many miracles in the gospels performed by Jesus to show Jews and Gentiles His divinity as Son of God made Man, the awaited Messiah.
Smoke Easy
By Marvin A. Tort
During the Prohibition Era (1920--1933) in the United States, when the sale, manufacture, and transportation of alcoholic beverages was illegal throughout that country, illicit or hidden establishments emerged to illegally sell or serve liquor. Such a club or bar, called a speakeasy (or a blind pig or a blind tiger) became very popular among both the rich and poor.
Are vaccines variant-proof? Here’s some good news
By Sam Fazeli
SCIENCE has delivered some incredible achievements in the fight against COVID-19, not least of which is the swift development of several highly effective vaccines. The question is, will the shots continue to offer strong protection even as the SARS-CoV-2 virus mutates and evolves?
Join a board: The B-Suite is for girls and youth, too
By Chit U. Juan
Many managers think of the C-Suite as the ultimate goal before finally ending a corporate career. “I want to be a CIO or a CMO,” may be running in an executive’s mind before he or she finally says goodbye to the executive office and prepares for the next career — which is farming or “apostolate” for others (taking care of grandchildren).
It’s about expanding the mining tax base
By Vanessa Pepino
Globally recognized, the Philippines is one of the most mineral-rich countries, with an estimated $840 billion worth of untapped mineral wealth. But unknown to most, it is subject to doubled excise taxes when the Tax Reform for Inclusion and Acceleration (TRAIN) Law took effect. Along with other local and national regulations and taxes from excise tax, royalty-mineral reservation, local business tax to registration fee, withholding tax and VAT, among others, it is a heavily taxed industry.