The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

The share of tourism to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) could reach as high as eight percent this year due to the further reopening of the Philippine economy, an economist said on Friday. Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation chief economist Michael Ricafort In an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA), Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation chief economist Michael Ricafort said …

In the bustling metropolis where dreams are forged, a remarkable group of fathers silently tread the path of dedication and sacrifice. On Fathers’ Day, we shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes of the Filipino workforce, whose unwavering commitment to their families often goes unnoticed amidst the demands of their careers. For many Filipino working fathers, the journey begins before …

Filipinos are coming out of the pandemic more value-conscious than ever, Kantar, the world’s leading marketing data and analytics company, reveals based on its latest data about the FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) industry. The Kantar report also outlines key trends that are shaping consumer behavior amidst rising tides of inflation. “Filipinos are becoming more critical of their brand choices, especially …

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and its partner organizations launched new financial educational programs for agricultural workers, college students and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) at ceremonies held on June 8, 2023 at the BSP Manila head office. These initiatives were developed by the BSP in cooperation with various partner organizations to broaden and deepen the reach of financial education …

Foreign direct investment (FDI) recorded US$548 million net inflows in March 2023, lower by 30.7 percent than the US$792 million net inflows in the same month in 2022. The said decline resulted from lower net inflows across all major FDI components amid investor concerns over subdued global growth prospects. Equity capital placements during the month originated mostly from Singapore, Japan, and the …

The economic team held back-to-back consultations with members of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Philippine Army (PA) recently to further discuss and refine the proposed Military and Uniformed Personnel (MUP) Pension Reform Bill. “When we started the roadshow, ibang-iba po ang proposals namin. Pero dahil nakikinig kami, nag-iba na po ang mga proposals. Yung mga makikita nyo po ngayon, …

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) said last week it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) which will ensure prioritization of digitalization. In a statement, BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio raised the urgency of the execution of digitalization which will give way for the agency to provide a better service to the …

The path to success is often marked by resilience and unwavering determination. However, for individuals hailing from financially disadvantaged households, this journey requires an extra layer of practicality and resourcefulness.  Lea Pedarse, an alumna of the SM Foundation’s Scholarship Program, exemplifies these qualities as she triumphs in the recently concluded Licensure Examination for Certified Public Accountants (CPALE), securing a spot …

Instead of travelling 20 minutes via tricycle and spending P60 for fare, Sheena Bautista, a resident of Barangay Nancalobasaan in Pangasinan, now has the option to visit the nearest Alfamart in their neighborhood that is only a few meters from her house.  Located near the town’s residential cluster in Urdaneta City, Alfamart, a part of SM Investments Corporation’s food retail …

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has considered favorably the shelf registration by Petron Corporation of up to 50 million preferred shares. In its meeting on recently, the Commission En Banc resolved to render effective the registration statement of Petron covering Series 4 preferred shares, subject to the company’s compliance with certain remaining requirements. Petron may offer the preferred shares …