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Overseas news
US labor data showed that new claims for unemployment benefits rose by 1,000 to reach 200,000 last week. On the other hand, continuing claims fell by 26,000 to hit 1.849 million.
Continuing claims reflect the total number of Americans who continue to seek unemployment aid. Labor figures could hint at the state of the US job market and larger economic situation.
Further, revised data showed that the US economy grew at a 4.4% annualized pace in Q3 2025, higher than the initially reported 4.3%. This was driven by upward revisions in exports and investments though consumer spending was revised lower.
Meanwhile, South Korea’s economy contracted by 0.3% in Q4 2025 versus the preceding quarter amid weak investment and exports. In comparison, Q3 2025 saw 1.3% growth from Q2.
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.
Local developments
The Department of Agriculture (DA) said rice millers have set minimum buying prices for palay. They pledged to buy wet palay for a minimum price of P17 per kilo and dry palay for at least P21 per kilo.
The committed price levels are intended to keep the market prices of rice steady, according to a DA spokesperson. As a food staple, changes in rice prices can have an impact on the inflation rate.
Meanwhile, digital payments in the Philippines surged in 2025 according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). InstaPay and PESONet transactions reached a combined P24.745 trillion, growing 42% from 2024.
The continued shift to digital payments can help the economy grow by improving financial inclusion and making it easier for consumers to transact.
Currently, the news doesn’t hint at major changes coming soon. It might be a good idea to continue following your strategy if it still works for you.
