IMF downgrades Philippine growth forecasts anew amid economic challenges

GMA Network - Sep 25, 2026

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Friday again downgraded its growth forecasts for the Philippines, citing the weaker-than-expected performance in the second quarter and the slow rebound in public spending amid the flood control corruption scandal.

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Shanghai Gold Exchange pushes more Chinese banks to end retail leverage trading

Sep 25, 2026

Shanghai Gold Exchange pushes more Chinese banks to end retail leverage trading

At least a dozen Chinese banks intend to wind down retail leveraged precious-metals trading – a practice in which everyday investors post margin deposits to speculate on gold and silver contracts without owning the physical metal. The retreat comes amid sharp swings in international gold prices. Sources at two banks, including the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China – the world’s largest lender by assets – said that this round of withdrawals was mandated by the Shanghai Gold Exchange,...

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Sep 25, 2026

Tokenised Deposits vs Stablecoins: Why Thailand’s Cautious Path Differs from Hong Kong and Singapore

Hong Kong and Singapore are advancing tokenised deposits into live commercial use, with major banks including HSBC and Standard Chartered already serving institutional clients on blockchain-based treasury platforms.

Diesel seen to roll back by P7.50/L, gasoline by P1/L next week

Sep 25, 2026

Diesel seen to roll back by P7.50/L, gasoline by P1/L next week

Motorists should expect a sigh of relief in the coming week as pump prices are expected to roll back big-time.

Hong Kong catching up with Dubai in ‘super-prime’ property sales amid Iran war

Sep 25, 2026

Hong Kong catching up with Dubai in ‘super-prime’ property sales amid Iran war

Hong Kong has significantly narrowed Dubai’s lead as the world’s top market for “super-prime” residential property in recent months, as rising conflict weighs on activity in the Middle East market, according to Knight Frank. Dubai retained first place for deals involving homes sold for US$10 million or more in the second quarter of the year, with 131 sales worth a combined US$2.17 billion, but the total value of those transactions fell 27 per cent compared with the previous quarter. Hong Kong,...

China’s EV and battery makers tussle over paying resumed lithium-ion tax: sources

Sep 25, 2026

China’s EV and battery makers tussle over paying resumed lithium-ion tax: sources

China’s electric vehicle (EV) makers and battery manufacturers are locked in negotiations over which party should pay a resumed consumption tax, according to industry sources, a conflict that underlines carmakers’ struggles amid weak home market demand. Beijing is ending an 11-year exemption on a 4 per cent consumption tax on lithium-ion batteries and related products. It returned to 2 per cent on September 1 and will be fully restored one year later. The country’s battery makers planned to pass...

Unleashing Urban Productivity: How Thai Cities Can Drive High-Income Growth

Sep 25, 2026

Unleashing Urban Productivity: How Thai Cities Can Drive High-Income Growth

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Blue Bottle bets that Chinese consumers will drink more premium coffee

Sep 24, 2026

Blue Bottle bets that Chinese consumers will drink more premium coffee

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Sep 24, 2026

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Pangilinan challenges DOJ, NBI to go after 'untouchable' agri smugglers

Sep 24, 2026

Pangilinan challenges DOJ, NBI to go after 'untouchable' agri smugglers

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Malaysia explores Davao coconut shells as alternative fuel 

Sep 24, 2026

Malaysia explores Davao coconut shells as alternative fuel 

Malaysia's Borneo New Energy Company is eyeing coconut shells from Davao as an alternative energy resource, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 11 said.

US regulators back multi-cancer blood test – but Hong Kong doctors remain cautious

Sep 24, 2026

US regulators back multi-cancer blood test – but Hong Kong doctors remain cautious

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DA eyes 'scientific' approach vs super El Niño; nearly P10-B fund allotted for farmers, fisherfolk

Sep 24, 2026

DA eyes 'scientific' approach vs super El Niño; nearly P10-B fund allotted for farmers, fisherfolk

The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Thursday said it will adopt a “scientific” strategy to mitigate the impact of a potentially record-breaking El Niño expected in the coming months.

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