"Ang pao" for prosperity

Today, we are holding an economic briefing for select clients to help them position their investment portfolios for the year. It is a fitting gift of sorts, our ang pao, to our clients seeking to optimize their wealth.

Read "Market Movers: Metrobank holds exclusive market outlook briefing for clients" to know what it's all about.

Our research and business analytics team also lists some of the good things going for our economy in our story, "Here’s what will drive the Philippine economy".

Lastly, we give you our views on inflation in "Inflation Update: Lower January 2023 inflation may mean no rate cuts yet".

As you know, tomorrow is a holiday and that's why we're sending out our newsletter early.

We hope you enjoy this issue, and if you wish to get exclusive content from Metrobank Wealth Insights, just get in touch with your relationship manager or investment specialist. If you're not yet a client and wish to take your wealth journey with us, you may sign up here.

Please send us your suggestions and feedback, too.

Thank you and Gong Xi Fa Cai!

You're in good hands.

Metrobank Wealth Insights Team

Market Movers: Metrobank holds exclusive market outlook briefing for clients

A select few will be receiving their?ang pao?early as Metrobank holds its first Market Movers seminar titled “2024 Market Outlook: Position for the Next Cycle” just before the Chinese New Year.

On February 8, investment experts from Metrobank and its third-party research partner, CreditSights, a Fitch Solutions company, will be sharing their research, analyses, and insights to guide clients in their investment decisions in the months ahead.

Read more: Market Movers: Metrobank holds exclusive market outlook briefing for clients

Here’s what will drive the Philippine economy?

With the gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate for 2023 ending at 5.6%, the Philippines is still among the best-performing economies in Asia. That is welcome news, even if the growth is still below the government’s target.

While expected and unforeseen risks remain, there are numerous growth drivers that will stimulate the Philippine economy in 2024.

Read more: Here’s what will drive the Philippine economy

Inflation Update: Lower January 2023 inflation may mean no rate cuts yet

The Philippines’ January headline inflation came in lower than the consensus forecast of 3.1% due to less upward price pressures on key food items and favorable base effects when inflation peaked at 8.7% in January 2023.

For now, we are retaining our yearend average inflation forecast at 4.3%, albeit with a strong downward bias given the current print. On the other hand, strong inflation pressure remains due to El Ni?o and its effects on food items, ongoing geopolitical risks, and rising rice prices.

Read more: Inflation Update: Lower January 2023 inflation may mean no rate cuts yet

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