Philippine inflation was expected to ease but remain elevated

Analysts polled by The Manila Times expected Philippine inflation to slow to a median 6.0% in August from 6.2% in July, potentially marking a fourth straight monthly decline. Lower energy costs and some food prices were cited as factors, although rice prices, weather disruptions and high oil costs continued to pressure consumers.

The forecast remained above the central bank’s 2% to 4% target range. The Philippine Statistics Authority was set to release the official August figure on Sept. 4, while the central bank had raised its key interest rate by a quarter-point to 5.0% as a precaution against risks including severe weather and possible minimum-wage increases.

Read the full story at manilatimes.net.