08/10/2025
The SEConomics August 2025 issue covers key developments in global equities and fixed income markets, alongside the country’s narrowing trade deficit, higher approved foreign investment pledges, moderating inflation, and reaffirmed high credit ratings.
Globally, equities rose amid strong U.S. corporate earnings, Europe’s manufacturing rebound, and growing demand for technology and AI stocks in Asia. Fixed income markets were mixed, with U.S. Treasury yields declining while European yields recovered.
Domestically, the trade deficit narrowed to USD4.05 billion as exports increased and imports contracted. Approved foreign investments also climbed to PHP67.38 billion in Q2, up from PHP27.99 billion in Q1. Moreover, inflation slightly rose to 1.7% in August amid weather-related pressures on food prices but remains within the government target. On a positive note, credit rating agencies reaffirmed the country’s stable economic outlook, with ratings of A- (R&I) and Baa2 (Moody’s). Relatedly, the Philippines also scored 73 in TransUnion’s Credit Perception Index, signaling stronger consumer trust and expanding knowledge in credit and fintech products.
Read more on these topics, including the SEC’s expansion of industries allowed to register in OneSEC, the declassification of common shares to improve market efficiency, and intensified investor protection efforts through financial literacy programs and actions against erring financing and lending companies, at https://www.sec.gov.ph/seconomics-2025/August-2025/ .tab=0. Copies of previous issues are also available free of charge at www.sec.gov.ph/investors-education-and-information/economic-publications.