Four figures in search of commentary
Below are some figures that seem to express definite trends or turning points. But the meaning is left to the reader who might have a different interpretation. The titles, of course, are completely gratuitous.
Finding our balance in modernizing our rice industry
Public support is shifting from rice consumers in 2018 to rice farmers this year. Last year, the country’s inflation rate breached Central Bank’s upper band. Analysts blamed that on rice price inflation, which carries among the largest weight in the consumer’s price index.
PSA’s assessment: a failing grade for Ph
Are we doing well or not? If you want to make up your mind based on hard evidence rather than press releases, false news, etc., the best place to go is to the PSA itself—its website, in the section called StatDev.
The Philippine economy by year’s close
Inflation and further growth characterized the year’s economic progress. Though the inflation rate was by far more serious than anticipated, the economy continued its booming pace, making it still one of the highest performing in the East Asia region.
Inflation, the peso, and overall spending
The rising prices are felt generally across sectors of the economy. However, they accelerate the problems of the most vulnerable, the poor and those whose incomes are not catching up with inflation.
Economic risks of the Build Build Build program
Even if there were no external and political risks facing the Build Build Build program of infrastructure, economic risks present themselves in several forms.
The macroeconomy and foreign policy rebalancing
Some signs of increased volatility can be found in several short term indicators. We see this from the nervousness of investors as they begin to hesitate to look at the country favorably, because they hear of negative news.
President Duterte’s ‘separation from the US’ tsunami in Beijing
“I announce my separation from the United States, both in military, but economics also,” so spoke President Rodrigo Duterte as he ended his speech before an audience of Chinese officials and businessmen last week in Beijing.
Macroeconomic directions: Duterte vs. Aquino
What can we expect to be the macroeconomic path of the Duterte administration? Useful hints can be pieced together from recent developments.
Currency wars?
One view that has become popular among commentators and pundits is that currency wars are now front row in the global landscape. This is hardly compelling.
Europe’s double-dip recession and growth woes
Europe’s recent economic experience is a double dip-recession -- a prolonged recession that continues to this day. Like that of the United States economy, developments in the European economy have an influence on world trade, investments and economic growth.
