Overseas news
Chinese officials are confident that the country will hit its 5% growth target for 2025. This was said by Zhao Chenxin, deputy head of China’s economic planning agency.
This statement sought to ease concerns over the potential impact of US tariffs on China’s economic recovery.
China is a significant trade partner for the US as well as a major manufacturing source for US companies. Together, these countries make up a huge share of the global economy and so their respective economic conditions are of concern to many investors.
Local developments
Government infrastructure spending surged by 23.1% in the first 2 months of 2025 to reach P148.3 billion. This happened as the administration accelerated disbursements ahead of the election ban.
Increased infrastructure spending can have positive effects on the economy as it helps create jobs and promote growth in industries and locations affected by the developments.
Meanwhile, price growth in Metro Manila dropped to a 58-month low in March, according to a report by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
The general retail price index (GRPI) slowed to 1.1% year-on-year, down from 1.3% in February and 2.1% a year ago. This index tracks prices at which retailers sell general goods to consumers.
Additionally, the government fully awarded its planned P25 billion in Treasury bills on Monday amid strong demand. Total bids reached P80.265 billion or over 3 times the offered amount.
Selling debt securities such as Treasury bills is one way that a government can raise money for its public works and other projects.
Further, the Philippine government aims for a favorable trade agreement with the US as local officials head to Washington on Tuesday. They will negotiate a change in the 17% reciprocal tariff imposed by the Trump administration.
Higher tariffs may take effect in July following the 90-day pause that started earlier this month. If applied, such tariffs could affect US demand for Philippine-made goods.
There’s not much in the news to signal big changes happening right away. You may want to continue following your strategy if it still works for you.
