Moody’s Analytics expects inflation to have slowed further in December
INFLATION likely slowed sharply in December to a six-month low, in line with official expectations that overall price increases of basic goods will return to below four percent in 2019, according to a Moody’s Analytics economist.
Spending risks in focus at DBCC meeting
ECONOMIC MANAGERS will discuss in a meeting next month of the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) ways to mitigate the economic impact of a partially reenacted budget and the public works ban ahead of the May 13, 2019 midterm elections, the chairman of the interagency body said on Wednesday.
Production spurred by infrastructure build expected to propel Philippines up ranks of biggest economies
THE PHILIPPINES can be expected to close in on the top 10% of the world’s major economies in the next 15 years, partly as improved infrastructure spurs overall economic growth, according to a London-based consultancy.
ANZ Research sees smaller PHL trade deficit next year
THE PHILIPPINES will likely see a narrower external trade gap in 2019, a global bank said, citing help from falling oil prices in the world market.
Steady, not strong as SE Asia faces 2019 growth worries
SINGAPORE — Last year, economists predicted Southeast Asia would be blessed with a strong and vibrant 2018.
Rate hike impact on lending ‘limited’
“GRADUAL” interest rate hikes introduced by the central bank this year are unlikely to weigh on banks’ lending activities, with strong demand expected to be sustained despite higher borrowing costs.
Budget chief flags smaller national tax share for local governments
THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT may have to reduce local governments’ take in national taxes should the Supreme Court, in a final ruling, stand pat on a bigger revenue base for these units’ “just share,” Budget Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno said last week.
Transport dep’t to submit NAIA rehab proposal this week for NEDA approval
THE Department of Transportation (DoTr) plans to submit to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in the next few days the unsolicited proposal of the “super consortium” to rehabilitate the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), months after the group bagged original proponent status (OPS).
Elections could hinder fiscal reforms — Nomura
THE 2019 MIDTERM ELECTIONS could pose some risks to fiscal reforms being pursued by the administration of President Rodrigo R. Duterte, analysts at a global bank said, as the fate of succeeding tax measures will depend on the outcome of the polls.
World Bank cuts Philippine growth forecasts on elevated inflation, budget reenactment, weak trade
THE WORLD BANK cut its economic growth forecast for the Philippines as sustained high inflation, lower infrastructure disbursements next semester due to reenactment of the national budget and continued weakness of global trade offset the lift from spending related to the May 13, 2019 mid-term elections.
SEC clears Iloilo healthcare provider’s IPO plan
An Iloilo City-based company that manages hospitals and healthcare facilities has secured approval of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to sell its shares through an initial public offering (IPO).
PSE pursues Shenzhen tie-up
THE PHILIPPINE STOCK EXCHANGE (PSE) has taken further steps to explore potential avenues for cooperation with the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SZSE), visiting that Chinese city late last month to learn about the Chinese bourse’s listing and disclosure regulations and other market-related functions.