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Overseas news
In the US, weekly initial jobless claims were at 198,000 last week, an unexpected drop of 9,000. However, the reduction was likely due to ongoing challenges adjusting the data for seasonal fluctuations around this time of the year.
The numbers of both unemployed people and the jobs available are important sources of data for how healthy an economy is.
Meanwhile, US import prices, which exclude transportation costs, tariffs, and other duties, rose 0.4% from September to November 2025. The data release for October and November of the same year were delayed due to the government shutdown.
“Import price” refers to the cost of goods that come into a country. It includes how much it cost the producer to make it, as well as transport, and insurance, but it may not cover customs tariffs and local taxes.
Local developments
Overseas Filipino Workers’ cash remittances rose 3.6% year-on-year to $2.91 billion in November 2025 but was still at a 6-month low.
Remittances provide a crucial financial flow to the Philippines. They help increase the amount of money that is spent and saved locally.
Also, the peso weakened to a new record low against the dollar on Thursday. This happened as markets priced in the possibility of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) cutting key rates ahead of the US Federal Reserve (the Fed).
The approach of central banks towards key rate hikes depends on the economic conditions in their respective nations. It isn’t odd to see one central bank cutting rates while another implements a pause, depending on their situation.
Further, Philippine stocks climbed back above the 6,400 level on Thursday. This was boosted by the World Bank’s growth forecast for 2026 and expectations of BSP rate cuts.
Lower key rates may lead to many developments, including increased borrowing, more money circulating in the system, and renewed investor interest in stocks.
The latest news doesn’t point to substantial changes happening soon. You may not want to make big portfolio decisions in the meantime.
