The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

Denza Philippines lighted up the night skyline when it launched the all-new B5 and B8 under the “Adventure Electrified” campaign as they entered the competitive SUV segment in the country last week at the Aseana Concert Ground in Paranaque City. The Denza B5 and the B8 Both are designed to deliver a strong combination of electrified efficiency, everyday practicality, and real all-terrain capability for Filipino cusomers seeking more refined yet versatile …

by Boy Villasanta Is the heir issue of inheritance among the children of the late Nora Aunor getting serious or just a petty intrigue being blown out of proportions? Before the observance of the first death anniversary of Nora at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB) in Taguig City, there were talks that a conflicting memorial mass schedule in her …

Socializing, or better still, partying doesn’t only happen in high places among the rich and famous or the glitz and glam circle or in the company of debutantes, newly-weds or celebrations for board passers or honor students during graduations. It’s common as well in the barrios. What is it like attending a party in the countryside? I’ve had the privilege …

Unexpectedly, it’s an early dropping of one’s curtain on stage, television and movie actress Sue Prado when she suddenly kicked the bucket recently. According to her family, Sue, Marissa Sue M. Prado in real life, died of cardiac arrest. It was an untimely demise for Sue, sisters Guia Antonette and May Shereen said. “Sue brought light in anyone’s path throughout …

Not only is Jeffrey Jeturian’s films praised locally. At the recently concluded 2026 Moscow International Film Festival, Jeturian’s latest outing, “Unmarry” produced by Quantum Films and starred Angelica Panganiban and Zanjoe Marudo was lauded by critics and diverse audiences as well. “Had a near full house screening of ‘Unmarry’ at its Russian premiere at the 48th Moscow İnt’l Film Festival—mix …

The Philippine government has welcomed the inclusion of peso-denominated government bonds in a major global benchmark, a move officials say underscores growing investor confidence in the country’s economic fundamentals. In a joint statement, the Department of Finance (DOF), Bureau of the Treasury (BTr), and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas confirmed that J.P. Morgan will add Philippine government bonds to its Government …

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on Thursday raised its key policy rate by 25 basis points to 4.5 percent, citing worsening inflation pressures driven by rising global oil prices linked to the Middle East conflict. In its latest move, the Monetary Board also adjusted the overnight lending and deposit facility rates to 5 percent and 4 percent, respectively. It was …

The Philippines secured over $6 billion in financing and co-financing support from the Asian Development Bank last year, underscoring continued multilateral backing for key infrastructure, social protection, and resilience programs. According to the ADB’s Annual Report 2025 released Thursday, the country received $4.1 billion in loans and grants from the Manila-based lender, alongside $2.6 billion in co-financing arrangements. Major allocations …

Insured deposits in the Philippine banking system surged to ₱5.2 trillion last year, reflecting stronger depositor protection and growing confidence in the financial sector, the state deposit insurer said. The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation reported that the total rose by 40.9 percent from ₱3.7 trillion in 2024, marking a significant expansion of the country’s financial safety net. A key driver …

The Philippine banking system posted stronger asset growth in February, reflecting continued expansion in lending activity and steady investor confidence, according to data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. Latest figures showed total banking assets reached ₱29.19 trillion in February, up 8.3 percent from ₱26.95 trillion a year earlier. The total was also slightly higher than the ₱29.11 trillion recorded …