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Overseas news
China’s economy grew 5% in 2025, meeting the government’s target through strong export diversification. This happened despite slower Q4 growth and weak domestic demand.
Economic growth is measured by tracking changes in the gross domestic product (GDP), which is the value of everything a country produces in a given period.
On the flipside, new home prices in China dropped 0.4% month-on-month in December 2025. Prices also declined by 2.7% compared to the same period in 2024 amid ongoing property sector weakness across major cities.
China’s massive property sector was significantly affected after several large real estate developers were hit by financial troubles (mostly related to loans) in previous years. This, in turn, affected the country’s economic standing.
Local developments
The Philippines’ foreign debt servicing dropped nearly 23% to finish at $11.02 billion by the end of October 2025. This was driven by a 41% decline in principal payments.
Debt servicing refers to the money needed for paying the principal and interest on a loan for a certain period. When interest rates aren’t fixed for the entire term, the debt servicing can change significantly.
Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) expects exports to rise this year due to a recently signed free trade deal with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The agreement grants reduced or zero tariffs on 95% of Philippine goods entering the Middle Eastern country.
A free trade agreement (FTA) can encourage increased commerce between the involved parties, which may be helpful as countries navigate a period of heightened trade tensions.
Additionally, the Philippines has discovered a natural gas field off Palawan, which it has named the Malampaya East-1 reservoir. This is the country’s 1st major natural gas find in over a decade.
With an estimated 98 billion cubic feet of gas, the reservoir can help support the country’s long-term energy needs. Other Malampaya gas sources together supply a significant portion of Luzon’s power needs.
There’s not much in the latest news that signifies big market changes happening right away. It might be wise to remain cautious with your investing moves for now.
