business confidence – Page 2 – Author Carlo Carrasco

More investors expected in relation to newly signed CREATE MORE IRR

February 28, 2025February 26, 2025carlocarrasco

In connection with the recent signing of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act, a director of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) expects more investors to come in, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of the PNA. Some parts in boldface…

Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Director General Tereso Panga is expecting more investors to put up their businesses in economic zones across the country following the signing of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act.

Panga said the IRR provides clarity for the smooth implementation of the law.

“It is a product of conjoined efforts that will surely attract more interest in the Philippines and paves the way for future investment growth,” Panga said in a statement Wednesday.

On Feb. 17, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto and Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque led the signing of the CREATE MORE’s IRR.

The IRR supports PEZA’s mandate of driving investment growth into the country, promote sustainable development in the countryside, and create more jobs.

“The CREATE MORE Act refines the investment landscape of the Philippines to be at parity with other countries,” he said.

“With these new policies in place, coupled with the positive attributes already presented by our country and the various advantages like a communications-ready skilled workforce, a conducive business environment and a whole-of-government approach, it is without doubt that new investors will come in and old investors will choose to stay for the long haul,” he added.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the newly signed IRR of CREATE MORE will result in more investors to come into the Philippines and put up businesses in economic zones?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Philippines October 2024 inflation rate settles at 2.3%

November 14, 2024November 5, 2024carlocarrasco

Recently it was announced that the inflation rate of the Philippines for October 2024 settled at 2.3%, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. By comparison, the nation’s inflation rate was at 4.9% in October 2023.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

Inflation continued to settle within the government’s 2 to 4 percent target despite a slight uptick in October this year.

In a briefing on Tuesday, National Statistician Dennis Mapa said headline inflation during the month was at 2.3 percent, slightly higher than the 1.9 percent recorded in September this year. Inflation in October last year, however, was higher at 4.9 percent.

The latest data brings the national average inflation rate from January to October 2024 to 3.3 percent.

Mapa said the higher inflation in October was primarily influenced by the faster increase in food and non-alcoholic beverages at 2.9 percent from 1.4 percent in September 2024.

Despite the increase, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) are optimistic that inflation will remain within target this year.

“The latest inflation figures confirm that we are on track to keep inflation within target. The government is fully committed to ensuring price stability and protecting Filipino households from undue shocks,” NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said in a statement.

Balisacan assured the public that while recent weather disturbances posed challenges to the country’s food supply and logistics, the government will work “relentlessly to keep food available and prices steady, particularly for essential commodities.”

“With targeted support and streamlined food supply chains, we aim to ensure that food is affordable and accessible for Filipino families, especially those most vulnerable to price shocks when disasters hit us,” Balisacan said.

To mitigate the impact of natural disasters, Balisacan said the Department of Social Welfare and Development is implementing the Building on Social Protection for Anticipatory Action and Response in Emergencies and Disasters Program.

The program provides social safety nets and capacity-building measures to support affected communities.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration earlier forecast that La Niña will persist until the first quarter of 2025, with two to eight tropical cyclones expected to affect the country until April 2025.

“The President has mobilized all of government to ensure relief efforts are comprehensive and delivered on time. In addition, he has directed us to craft a robust solution to build the resilience of families and communities amid the onslaught of severe typhoons,” Balisacan said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the inflation rate of the nation will end up between 2% to 4% for the final two months of the year?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Ayala-Mitsubishi deal likely to boost GCash IPO

October 30, 2024October 21, 2024carlocarrasco

If things go well, the recent deal made between Ayala Corp. and Japan’s Mitsubishi Corp. will likely boost the anticipated initial public offering (IPO) of e-wallet entity GCash, according to a BusinessWorld news report referencing analysts.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the BusinessWorld news report. Some parts in boldface…

THE RECENT deal between Ayala Corp. and Japan’s Mitsubishi Corp. is likely to increase the valuation of the anticipated initial public offering (IPO) of the electronic wallet GCash, according to analysts.

On Friday last week, Ayala Corp. announced that it was selling its 50% stake in AC Ventures Holding Corp. (ACV) to Mitsubishi for a minimum of P18.4 billion.

ACV owns 13% of Globe Fintech Innovations, Inc. (Mynt), which has two fintech companies, G-Xchange Inc., the operator of GCash, and Fuse Lending, a tech-based microlender.

“The deal reinforces the value of Mynt for its future IPO. With key investors coming in at a valuation of around $5 billion, Mynt is poised for an IPO at a much higher valuation,” Chinabank Capital Corp. Managing Director Juan Paolo E. Colet said in a Viber message.

GCash previously said it was planning an IPO but would wait for a more favorable market.

According to Mr. Colet, the IPO could happen as early as next year depending on market conditions.

“I can see the IPO within the next two to three years. Perhaps as soon as next year if market conditions are very good,” he said.

“So far, it seems Globe wants a local IPO for Mynt. But it would be better if they do a dual listing in the Philippines and a larger stock market to get the best of both worlds,” he added.

Globalinks Securities and Stocks, Inc. Trader Mark V. Santarina said in a Viber message that the deal helps GCash’s international expansion plans.

GCash services are available in 16 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Italy, Australia, Canada, Germany, and other Asian countries.

“For GCash, Mitsubishi’s entry paves the way for potential international expansion, particularly into Japan, and may boost its service offerings in microlending and financial technology,” he said.

“While GCash is considering overseas listings for its IPO, there is still hope it may choose to list on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) instead, which would be a significant win for the local market,” he added.

AP Securities, Inc. Research Head Alfred Benjamin R. Garcia said in a Viber message that the deal could help improve other Ayala ventures.

“With its entry into ACV, Mitsubishi is not only buying into GCash but also into other ventures under ACV like Gogoro and Zalora. We believe Mitsubishi’s expertise can help improve these businesses and maybe even accelerate the expansion of GCash into Japan,” he said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think an IPO of GCash could happen sometime in 2025? Are you an investor waiting for the GCash IPO to happen?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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To lure younger investors, BPI Wealth to launch new mutual fund

October 29, 2024October 21, 2024carlocarrasco

BPI Wealth – the wealth management arm of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) – will establish a new mutual fund to lure in young and tech-savvy investors, according to a Manila Bulletin business news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

Amid favorable conditions for long-term investments, the wealth-management arm of Ayala-led Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) will roll out before this year ends a new mutual fund eyeing young and tech-savvy investors.

BPI Wealth personal wealth head Irene Ang told a press briefing on Friday, October 18, that the forthcoming BPI Wealth Builder Multi-Asset Mutual Fund Inc. is expected to be approved “soon” by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which regulates mutual funds, for it to be sold to the public.

This first-of-its-kind balanced, global-based and peso-subscription and -redemption fund aims to convince millennials and the Gen X generation in the country to invest and prepare for their retirement, Ang said.

Among the innovative and unique features of this mutual fund include availability for a minimum of only P1,000; accessibility on BPI’s online platforms and accredited channels to conveniently open an investment account, monitor investments, and receive cumulative rewards and benefits at no extra cost; as well as an automated and automatic top-up system allowing additional investments of at least P100 monthly.

Ang is optimistic that up to P1-billion investments in their upcoming newest mutual fund would be “easy.”

BPI Wealth president and chief executive officer (CEO) Maria Theresa D. Marcial noted that among their investors, those who onboarded via digital channels continued to engage more regularly than branch-opened accounts.

“We should push more into digital initiatives,” said Marcial, who is spearheading BPI’s “Wealth Wellness Month” this October to promote financial inclusion and literacy as well as opportunities for small investors.

Marcial disclosed that as of end-September, BPI Wealth’s assets under management (AUM) rose to a new high of P1.4 trillion, from P1.2 trillion in end-2023.

On top of the earlier goal of 20-percent AUM increase for this year, Marcial said a further 15-percent growth next year will be “reasonable.”

BPI Wealth targets P3 trillion in AUM by 2026.

Marcial cited that while mutual funds and other assets experienced a roller-coaster ride of ups and downs during the past three years due to global financial conditions, the clarity in the ongoing monetary policy easing here and abroad this year has improved prospects.

“We’re seeing markets becoming more buoyant, and fund managers are becoming more constructive across asset classes,” she said.

“Bonds are expected to do better, as interest rates go lower. And because interest rates are lower… so [in] equity we’re seeing some renewed interest,” she added.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think BPI Wealth’s newest move makes a lot of sense with today’s economic environment? Do you think a lot of millennials are willing to engage in investments?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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AMRO sees Philippine economy growing 6.1% to 6.3% in 2025

October 15, 2024October 4, 2024carlocarrasco

In its recent update, the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) sees the economy of the Philippines achieving growth of 6.1% to 6.3% in 2025, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the BusinessWorld report. Some parts in boldface…

THE PHILIPPINES will likely post the second-fastest growth in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Plus 3 (ASEAN+3) region this year and in 2025, driven by faster government spending and easing interest rates, according to a regional think tank.

In its October update, the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) retained its gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for the Philippines at 6.1% this year and 6.3% next year.

“We didn’t change the forecast for the Philippines. As you can see, we expect growth to be at 6.1%, which will be an improvement from last year’s 5.6%,” AMRO Chief Economist Hoe Ee Khor told a virtual briefing on Thursday.

“This is mainly because we expect government investment spending to be higher this year, together with services exports,” he said.

The AMRO’s projection is within the government’s 6-7% target for 2024. However, its 2025 forecast is below the government’s 6.5-7.5% goal.

Mr. Khor said Philippine economic growth remains one of the strongest in the ASEAN+3 region, which includes members of the ASEAN, China, Hong Kong, Japan and South Korea.

AMRO’s growth forecast for the Philippines is just behind Vietnam (6.2%), and ahead of Cambodia (5.6%), Indonesia (5.1%), China (5%), Malaysia (4.7%), Laos (4.5%), Brunei Darussalam (4%), Hong Kong (3.3%), Thailand (2.8%), South Korea (2.5%), Singapore (2.4%), Myanmar (1.8%) and Japan (0.5%).

Philippine growth is also projected to be above the projected ASEAN+3 average of 4.2% this year. This was slightly lower than the previous forecast of 4.4%.

“Growth for the region will be driven by continued recovery in external trade, resilient domestic demand, and a boost in tourism due to relaxed visa policies in some economies,” AMRO said.

For 2025, the ASEAN+3 region’s growth forecast was upgraded to 4.4% from 4.3% previously, in line with expectations of steady global growth.

“The region is on track to achieve steady growth this year and the next and this will be underpinned by resilient domestic demand and the ongoing recovery in exports,” AMRO Principal Economist Allen Ng told the briefing.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think inflation the Philippine economy has enough momentum to grow better in 2025 than what AMRO predicted?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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President Marcos signs into law VAT on foreign digital services

October 10, 2024October 2, 2024carlocarrasco

Foreign entities that provide digital services to their customers here in the Philippines will have to pay their fair share of taxes as President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., recently signed into law Republic Act Number 12023 (RA12023) which imposes the 12% value-added tax (VAT) on foreign digital service providers (DSPs), according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed into law on Wednesday a measure imposing a value-added tax (VAT) on foreign digital services providers (DSPs).

A priority measure of the administration, Republic Act (RA) 12023 imposes a 12 percent VAT on foreign DSPs, such as Netflix, Disney, and HBO, to generate additional revenue for the government.

In his message, Marcos said the new law would level the playing field for local providers.

“If you are reaping the rewards of a fruitful digital economy here, it is only right that you contribute also to its growth. After all, whether you are a small tech startup or a global tech giant based halfway around the world, if you are making money here in the Philippines, you’re a part of our community, and with that comes a shared responsibility,” Marcos said.

According to the President, about PHP105 billion in revenue is expected to be collected in the next five years due to RA 12023.

The amount is enough to build 42,000 classrooms, more than 6,000 rural health units, and 7,000 km of farm-to-market roads, the Chief Executive noted.

Additionally, 5 percent of the revenues generated by the law will be allocated to the local creative industry.

“This means our artists, filmmakers, musicians, the very people who fill our platforms with storage and the content, will directly benefit. It ensures that our creative talents are not just surviving in a competitive digital market, but will be allowed by fairness and progress,” Marcos said.

The President thanked the legislators for passing the measure even as he called on companies covered by the law to support and heed the rules of the Act.

‘Fair and square’ tax policies – Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, meanwhile, said the new law is expected to address revenue losses by clarifying the taxability of non-resident digital service providers and addressing the ambiguity in the previous law.

“We believe in the importance of creating an environment where our digital services providers, whether they are nonresident or local, operate under fair and square tax policies,” Gatchalian said in a statement. He said the new measure does not mean a new tax imposition.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the new law will be good for the economy of the Philippines? Do you think that the foreign digital service providers will somehow raise the subscription rates and fees for their customers here in the Philippines in response to the new law?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Philippines inflation down to 1.9% this past September, lowest since May 2020

October 7, 2024October 4, 2024carlocarrasco

The inflation rate of the Philippines fell down to 1.9% for the month of September 2024 which marks a 4-year-low, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

The country’s headline inflation further eased to 1.9 percent in September this year, the lowest recorded since the 1.6 percent in May 2020.

Headline inflation was at 3.3 percent in August and 6.1 percent in September last year.

In a briefing on Friday, National Statistician Dennis Mapa said the latest data brought the year-to-date inflation to 3.4 percent, which is well within the government’s 2 to 4 percent target.

Mapa said the downtrend in the overall inflation was due to the slower annual increase in food and non-alcoholic beverages at 1.4 percent from 3.9 percent in August.

Food inflation, in particular, eased to 1.4 percent in September from 4.2 percent the previous month.

Mapa said the deceleration in food inflation was due to the slower inflation rate of rice at 5.7 percent from 14.7 percent in August.

Other contributors to the lower food inflation include the faster decline in the inflation of vegetables, tubers, cooking bananas, and pulses.

Lower inflation rates were also reported for corn, flour, bread and other bakery products, meat and other parts of slaughtered land animals, and ready-made food and other food products.

In a separate statement, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) assured the public that the government remains committed to stabilizing commodity prices.

“The continued slowdown in inflation is expected to boost consumer confidence, driving higher spending and consumption and fueling business expansion,” said NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan.

“Additionally, easing food prices will relieve low-income households, enabling them to allocate more to other essential needs such as education and health. We will sustain the momentum as we assure the public that we will continue to pursue and carry out strategies to maintain stable prices of food and other commodities,” he added.

Balisacan said the Executive Order issued by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., which reduced the rice tariffs to 15 percent, helped bring down rice prices.

“While we expect lower tariffs to reduce rice prices, we should continuously support local production through increased agricultural funding to complement this short-term measure,” Balisacan said.

The NEDA chief assured the public that the government is ready to address other inflationary pressures affecting food, such as the continuing prevalence of African swine fever (ASF), through the delivery of vaccines.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the lower headline inflation will be helpful for local businesses that have been struggling with cutting down their expenses?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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World Bank says that Philippines inflation will likely slow down this year

October 6, 2024October 4, 2024carlocarrasco

The World Bank (WB) recently announced that it sees inflation in the Philippines likely to go down this year and fall within the target range set by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), according to a BusinessWorld news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the BusinessWorld report. Some parts in boldface…

PHILIPPINE INFLATION is likely to slow this year to fall within the central bank’s target range, but higher transport charges and domestic rice production pose upside risks, the World Bank said.

In its latest monthly update, the World Bank said that the entry of more rice imports under lower tariffs should help keep inflation within the government’s 2-4% target.

“Inflation resumed its downward trend in August and is on track to fall within target this year,” the Washington-based lender said.

The consumer price index (CPI) eased to 3.3% in August from 4.4% in July. Inflation averaged 3.6% in the first seven months.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) projects inflation to average 3.4% this year.

“The balance of risks to the outlook has shifted toward the downside given expected reductions in rice prices as more imports arrive under the reduced tariff regime,” the World Bank said.

An executive order cutting tariffs on rice to 15% from 35% took effect in July. This helped rice inflation ease to 14.7% in August from 20.9% in July.

However, the World Bank said higher transport and electricity charges, as well as possible global oil and food price shocks still provide upside risks to the inflation outlook.

“Domestic rice production and prices also remain vulnerable with the La Niña weather phenomenon expected to bring more rainfall and intense typhoons in the remaining months of the year,” World Bank said.

Meanwhile, the World Bank said recent external and domestic developments have given the BSP more space for policy easing.

“Peso appreciation, driven by a wider US interest rate differential, supports domestic disinflation. This gives more room for further normalization of domestic monetary policy,” it said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think inflation in the Philippines will continue to slow down as the end of 2024 approaches?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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NEDA sees faster Philippines GDP growth in the 2nd half of 2024

September 17, 2024September 12, 2024carlocarrasco

Citing some factors, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) sees faster gross domestic product (GDP) growth for the Philippine economy in the 2^nd half of this year which should result in a full 2024 growth rate of 6% to 7%, according to a BusinessWorld new report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the BusinessWorld news report. Some parts in boldface…

PHILIPPINE gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the second semester could be faster than the 6% average in the first half amid easing inflation and lower policy rates, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said.

“Now, with inflation lower, with policy rates lower, with the labor market continuing to be robust, I think we would see an even better second half than in the first half,” NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan told BusinessWorld on the sidelines of a Senate hearing on Wednesday.

In the second quarter, GDP expanded by 6.3%, bringing the first-half growth to 6%.

“We are expecting 6-7% (GDP growth) for the full year, and I think that the likelihood that we’ll achieve that is now very high,” Mr. Balisacan said.

However, even as inflation eased to a seven-month low of 3.3% in August, Mr. Balisacan noted that the economy remains sensitive to inflationary pressures.

Year to date, inflation averaged 3.6%, settling within the 2-4% target range of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

The inflation downtrend has allowed the BSP to begin its easing cycle with its first rate cut in nearly four years last August. The Monetary Board lowered the policy rate by 25 basis points (bps) to 6.25% from the over 17-year high of 6.25% previously.

Mr. Balisacan noted the impact of lower policy rates “is not almost instantaneous.”

Despite this, the Philippine and US central banks’ expected easing path should help boost investment activity and support growth, he said.

“Especially now that the expectations everywhere with the Fed expected to decrease (interest rates)… then, there is now greater stimulus for us to continue lowering the policy rates,” he said. “With the business community hearing that, they are likely to rethink their investment plans.”

BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. earlier signaled another 25-bp cut in the fourth quarter. The last two Monetary Board meetings for the year are scheduled on Oct. 17 and Dec. 19.

Meanwhile, GDP growth is expected to settle within the government’s target range this year, but may fall short of the growth goals in the next two years, according to the latest forecasts from the BSP’s Policy Analysis Model for the Philippines.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the economy of the Philippines has enough momentum to achieve GDP growth of 7% for 2024?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Improving foreign investment outlook for Philippines seen

September 12, 2024September 4, 2024carlocarrasco

As far as analysts are concerned, the foreign investment outlook for the Philippines is improving and should result in more investments, according to a BusinessWorld news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the BusinessWorld news report. Some parts in boldface…

LOWER INTEREST RATES will help drive the entry of more foreign direct and portfolio investments into the Philippines, analysts said.

“The outlook for foreign direct investment (FDI) and foreign portfolio investment (FPI) in the Philippines appears promising, with current trends suggesting the country could meet or potentially exceed the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) targets,” Security Bank Corp. Chief Economist Robert Dan J. Roces said in a Viber message.

The BSP expects to record FDI net inflows of $9.5 billion this year. For foreign portfolio investments, it forecasts $3.1 billion in net inflows by yearend.

“The BSP’s forecast for the year sounds reasonable, as it wouldn’t be too far a stretch, with that sort of level of annual FDI coming into the Philippines almost consistently over this period, barring the coronavirus-hit year in 2020,” Pantheon Macroeconomics Chief Emerging Asia Economist Miguel Chanco said in an e-mail.

In the January-to-May period, FDI net inflows jumped by 15.8% year on year to $4.024 billion, data from the BSP showed.

Meanwhile, short-term foreign investments yielded a net inflow of $1.46 billion in the January-July period, surging from the $157.3-million net inflows in the same period a year ago.

FDIs are considered long-term investments, while portfolio investments or “hot money” are seen as more fickle due to the ease by which these funds enter and leave the economy.

Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion, chief economist at Union Bank of the Philippines, Inc., said the BSP’s investment targets are doable amid easing interest rates.

“Offering attractive rates will be the key. All around will be declining key rates, thus, offering sensible investments now will lock in gains for prospective investors. I would like to believe that there is time,” he added.

Mr. Roces said the further reduction in policy rates this year and next year “should stimulate investment activity, particularly for FDI, by making borrowing more attractive.”

At its August meeting, the Monetary Board cut rates for the first time in nearly four years or since November 2020. It reduced borrowing costs by 25 basis points (bps), bringing the benchmark rate to 6.25% from the previous over 17-year high of 6.5%.

The central bank could also deliver another 25-bp rate hike in the fourth quarter, BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. said earlier.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you agree with the findings of the economic analysts pointing to improving foreign investment outlook for the nation?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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