The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

Periods of high inflation challenge the financial security of people and businesses. Regionally, inflation in Southeast Asia has seen a small increase from December 2022 to January 2023. Meanwhile, the Philippines’ 8.6% inflation rate currently stands as the highest in Southeast Asia for February 2023. From a macro perspective, this weakens the growth of the nation’s economy. From a micro …

The threat of reported super typhoon “Betty” had no effect to the brave senior citizens of Bagac, Bataan as dozens of them trooped to the venue where the dialogue consultation was held in Bgy. Parang Bagac, Bataan. Comm. Rainier Cruz kicked off ceremonies with a highly informative speech that touched on the senior citizens’ right to legit discounts on travel …

Volvo Cars’ commitment to all-out electrification in 2017 has been recognized by the United Nations and other global environmental non-profit groups for its ground-breaking electrification strategy.  Even before sustainability became trendy in the automotive sphere, Volvo was already leading the pack in its efforts to curb its carbon footprint. Recognizing that cars are part of the ecological problem, Volvo owned …

The Autohub Group of Willy Tee-Ten successfully launched not one, but two Kia dealership simultaneously in one day middle of last week which boosted the rapid expansion of Kia Philippines in the country. The Kia Otis and Kia Marikina were opened one after the other with lots of fanfare and attended by imported Kia Philippines and Autohub Group officials and …

Hyundai Motor Company and Sony Pictures are joining forces again this summer on “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” the animated movie featuring a flying version of the company’s prophecy concept EV model and its future mobility vision that also spotlights Hyundai’s acclaimed Ioniq all-electric vehicles. The collaboration stems from a global promotional partnership that Hyundai Motor inked with Sony Pictures in …

BJ Mercantile, Inc., the exclusive distributor of Scania in the country, recently turned over four Scania Touring buses to Cagsawa Travel and Tours, Inc., the safest and cleanest bus company in the Bicol region with hospitable drivers and spacious cabins.  The Swedish-built Scania Touring is set to provide passengers the utmost comfort and convenience with its electronically controlled air suspension, …

The first round of the 2023 Philippine Rallycross Series (PHRX) went off to a dizzying start last weekend at the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac.  There were 12 special stages that took place on the dirt, gravel, and muddied roads of Capas and covered a total distance of over 60 kilometers. Results were still being tabulated as of press …

The Nexthub Auto Care made its grand opening late last week with lots of fanfare at the main Autohub Showroom at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. The newest baby of Autohub of businessman Willy Tee-Ten, Nexthub is a car service center that aims to cater not only to those customers whose car warranty has already expired but also to …

Nullspace Robotics PH, the country’s first learning center solely dedicated to teaching coding and robotics, formally opened its inaugural branch at the 3rd Level Uptown Place Mall, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. It is the local franchise of Nullspace Robotics, the leading provider of robotics and coding education in Singapore.  Nullspace Robotics PH offers a variety of enrichment programs aimed …

Asia’s first GM Eugene Torre urged the youth to continue to get involved in sports, especially chess, and stay away from drugs and other vices to become better citizens. In his speech before student- participants in the “Isulong Mo with GM Eugene Torre and IM Angelo Young” simultaneous chess exhibition matches, Torre said playing chess will also provide the youth …