Asian Currencies Weaken as Dollar Rebounds Amid Middle East Uncertainty and Japan Inflation Data 
UK Consumer Confidence Weakens Amid Middle East Conflict and Rising Living Costs 
Australia-EU Free Trade Deal Signed After Years of Negotiations 
U.S. Oil Prices Slide as Middle East Ceasefire Talks Spark Market Optimism 
Wall Street Slides as Iran War Uncertainty, Oil Surge, and AI Fears Rattle Markets 
Goldman Sachs Delays Bank of England Rate Cut Forecast Amid Middle East Inflation Risks 
J.P. Morgan Now Expects Two ECB Rate Hikes Amid Inflation Pressures 
Suspicious Oil Market Trades Precede Trump's Iran Peace Post by 15 Minutes 
Bank of Japan Holds Rates Steady Amid Iran War Inflation Fears 
Japan's Private Sector Growth Slows in March Amid Rising Costs and Middle East Uncertainty 
Fed Rate Cut Hopes Fade as Oil Prices Stoke Inflation Fears 
Asian Stocks Gain Amid Iran Conflict Uncertainty 
RBA Set to Hike Rates Again Amid Inflation Surge and Global Uncertainty 
Paraguay Central Bank Holds Interest Rate at 5.5% Amid Slowing Growth 
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) kept its policy rate unchanged, citing global uncertainties, with Governor Eli Remolona hinting at possible 50 basis point cuts in 2025.
The unexpected decision reflects concerns over global trade tensions. Remolona told CNBC, “We’re hedging to avoid reversing course. We aim to stay on an easing trajectory.” On One News TV, he added that pausing now was less disruptive than cutting prematurely and backtracking.
The move follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for reciprocal tariffs, heightening trade war risks and inflation concerns. While Remolona noted limited direct impact from U.S. policies, he warned of significant global spillover effects.
The Philippine economy, driven by domestic consumption, underperformed in Q4 2024. To address global uncertainties, the 2025 growth target widened to 6.0%-8.0% from 6.5%-7.5%.
The BSP will continue monitoring global trends and consult with peers before its next policy review on April 3. Investors await further signals on the central bank's easing path.
