Customs bullish on 2018 target

COLLECTIONS of the Bureau of Customs (BoC) continued to rise and beat targets on the back of a weaker local currency and high world oil prices, according to preliminary data.

Banks increase real property exposure as of March, but growth slows

BANKS handed out more real estate loans as of March, although growth eased from a year ago as the central bank tightened its watch on the sector.

Manufacturing growth weakens in July

PHILIPPINE manufacturing activity grew at a slower pace as the second semester began -- marking the weakest reading in five months -- amid softer demand, according to the latest survey IHS Markit conducted for Nikkei, Inc.

Infrastructure, other state capital outlays top first-half target

GOVERNMENT infrastructure spending and other capital outlays breached the first-half program, the Budget department reported on Wednesday.

Moody’s says fresh rate hike should help temper ‘imported’ inflation

ADDITIONAL rate hikes from the central bank will temper exchange rate movements and outbound capital flows, Moody’s Investors Service said, against a backdrop of a resilient and fast-growing economy.

BSP sees July inflation still past 5%

PRICES of widely used goods likely sustained their overall increase past an official full-year target in July, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said on Tuesday.

Increase in money supply slows

MONEY SUPPLY continued to grow in June — although at a slower pace — amid a tempered increase in bank lending, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported on Tuesday.

Economic managers say rising revenues to help keep budget gap manageable

THE DEVELOPMENT Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) said on Tuesday that government revenues are “strong” enough to help finance a bigger deficit next year, supported by bigger collections as a result of ongoing tax reform.

Economic execs assure on budget gap

ECONOMIC MANAGERS are committed to keeping the government’s budget deficit manageable despite a Supreme Court (SC) ruling in favor of more state allocations to local governments, saying above-target revenue collections will help while they appeal the decision.

Better regulations seen key to more innovation

THE PHILIPPINES needs more reforms in the regulations for small businesses to improve the country’s environment for innovation, according to INSEAD business school.

BSP forms fintech unit

THE BANGKO SENTRAL ng Pilipinas (BSP) has formed a new unit to oversee financial technology (fintech) companies, as the regulator keeps up with increased digital payments.

Many Asian currencies weaken as investors dig in ahead of central banks meetings

MOST ASIAN CURRENCIES weakened on Monday as investors braced ahead of a busy week lined with central bank meetings, corporate results and updates on US inflation and payrolls.