Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
Bank of England Expected to Hold Interest Rates at 3.75% as Inflation Remains Elevated 
Federal Reserve Faces Subpoena Delay Amid Investigation Into Chair Jerome Powell 
MAS Holds Monetary Policy Steady as Strong Growth Raises Inflation Risks 
Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
BOJ Holds Interest Rates Steady, Upgrades Growth and Inflation Outlook for Japan 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
China Holds Loan Prime Rates Steady in January as Market Expectations Align 
RBA Raises Interest Rates by 25 Basis Points as Inflation Pressures Persist 
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.
