The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

Autobot Offroad Philippines successfully held its Autobot Jamboree 2023, a 2-day off-road, overlanding and camping activity that gathered a record 145 participating rigs in Agno, Pangasinan. Autobot Offroad PH president and CEO Randy Lao was overjoyed with the number of participants. “There were 170 people who registered the week before the event and we had to limit the number of …

Franz Decloedt, the former marketing director of Astara Philippines since March this year, has been promoted as the new brand head of GAC Motor, while Timmy Naval-de Leon has been designated in his former position. Decloedt will be at the helm of GAC Motor’s brand operations, overseeing strategic sales and marketing initiatives, and contributing to the brand’s continued success. He …

The implementation of the mandated price ceilings for rice will start on Sept. 5, Malacañang said last week.  The clarification was made after Executive Order (EO) 39 stated that the price cap on regular and well-milled rice will take effect immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.  “The Office of the Executive …

The Department of Finance (DOF) has pledged its commitment to expand green infrastructure projects within the country, aligning with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) objective of achieving sustainable growth, accounting for at least 50 percent of the global economy. During the 10th ASEAN Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting held in Jakarta, Indonesia, ASEAN members reached a …

The Bureau of the Treasury (BTr), on August 28, 2023, announced the issuance of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for Republic Act No. 11954, also known as the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) Act of 2023. These regulations come after extensive consultations with key government financial institutions (GFIs), including the Landbank of the Philippines (LBP) and the Development Bank of …

Local shares slightly went up on Friday following the release of core personal consumption expenditures data.  The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) closed at 6,181.06, up by 0.09 percent from 6,175.25 the previous day, while all shares also rose by 0.22 percent to 3,341.97.  Half of the sectoral indices ended the week in a positive territory, led by Property which …

We all wish to wake up close to nature. Having a hot cup of coffee in the morning, smelling the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, and feeling the breeze of fresh air.  Studies show that living near nature positively affects a person’s mental, emotional and physical health. Living otherwise may not be beneficial to one’s well-being, causing stress and anxiety.  …

Tanduay continues to assert its supremacy in the global rum landscape, securing its position as the world’s leading rum brand once again, as declared by Drinks International Magazine.  According to data compiled from public company reports, the Philippine rum giant achieved remarkable sales of 27.5 million case liters in 2022, representing a substantial 16% surge from the preceding year. Impressively, …

Schneider Electric, a renowned global leader in energy management and automation, is set to bolster its logistics hub in Cavite, affirming its strong commitment to and continued expansion in logistics services, manufacturing, and high-value services within the Philippines.  This move follows a high-level meeting held with Trade Secretary Fred Pascual in Paris, France during the 10th Philippines-France Joint Economic Committee …

Under the leadership of Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr., the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has accomplished a remarkable feat by achieving 100% Resolution and 100% Compliance Rates in handling complaints for a continuous six-month period spanning from January to June 2023. This outstanding performance is documented in a report from the Office of the President’s 8888 Citizens’ Complaint Center …