The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has expressed his support for Mitsubishi Motors Corp. (MMC)’s PhP7-billion investment plan in the Philippines, which is expected to generate more employment opportunities for Filipinos over the next five years. MMC President and CEO Takao Kato met with the President in Malacañang last week to present the company’s plans, which include introducing a new vehicle …

Factory output in the Philippines showed improvement in December 2024, rebounding from a contraction in November, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). The PSA’s Monthly Integrated Survey of Selected Industries (MISSI) revealed that the value of production index (VaPI) increased by 0.4 percent in December, reversing the -3.5 percent decline in November 2024. However, this growth was slower compared …

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recently published its updated suggested retail price (SRP) bulletin for basic necessities and prime commodities, marking the first release in over a year since January 12, 2023. According to DTI data, 77 out of the 191 shelf-keeping units (SKUs) listed in the SRP update, or approximately 40 percent, have experienced price hikes. Among …

The National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (NCIPR) has significantly stepped up its efforts to combat counterfeit goods in the Philippine market, with seizures reaching a record P40.99 billion in 2024. The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) reported Thursday that the total value of confiscated fake products last year surpassed the previous record of P26.99 billion in 2023, …

Century Properties Group is expanding Azure North in San Fernando, Pampanga with the launch of Mykonos Tower, a 12-story mid-rise residential building offering 374 units. Buyers can choose from studio (26-28 sqm) and one-bedroom (44 sqm) units, all delivered bare for customization. The building features 24/7 security, concierge services, and a fire safety system. This phase also introduces the Azure …

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), through its social development arm, the BPI Foundation (BPIF), has teamed up with Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao (MMCM) to launch a financial literacy initiative aimed at equipping students and local communities with essential financial skills. The project is part of BPIF’s flagship financial education program, “FinEd Unboxed,” and includes a financial management application …

Headline inflation in January 2025 remained unchanged at 2.9 percent year-on-year, matching the rate recorded in the previous month. This figure aligns with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) forecast and stays within the government’s target range of 2-4 percent for the year. On a month-on-month seasonally adjusted basis, inflation showed a slight decline of 0.1 percent in January, compared …

The steady inflation rate will allow the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to further reduce interest rates to boost consumer spending and economic growth, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported last week that the country’s headline inflation remained at 2.9 percent. Core inflation, which excludes selected volatile food and energy items, also eased to 2.6 percent …

LG Electronics Philippines received a prestigious recognition at the 60th Anvil Awards for its campaign, “LG OLED TV Illuminates Artistic Legacy at the National Museum of Fine Arts.” The campaign won a Silver Anvil in the Public Relations Tools (Special Events) category, celebrating its innovative approach to blending technology and culture. In May 2024, LG collaborated with the National Museum …

SM Foundation, the social good arm of the SM Group, has opened its college scholarship program, with applications running from February 1 to March 31, 2025.  The initiative aims to provide comprehensive educational support to qualified senior high school graduates nationwide. The scholarship package includes full tuition coverage, monthly stipends, and paid internship opportunities within the SM Group during semester …