Forging a resilient Philippine economy in the age of shocks - BusinessWorld Online

• India is building rice buffers to protect against potential trade crises or weather-related production disruptions. • The country currently maintains rice stocks that exceed its own domestic needs.

• US inflation remained at 3.4 per cent in August, sustaining expectations that the Federal Reserve will continue raising interest rates. • Market analysts suggest that large private banks with strong deposit franchises are better positioned to handle these shifts than other financial institutions.

• European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde stated that energy shocks from the Middle East conflict will keep inflation high across the euro area. • New projections released Thursday show inflation will be quicker in 2027 and 2028, with the 2028 rate now slightly above the bank's target goal.

• One economist argues that the Federal Reserve's potential interest rate hike in September 2026 is designed to benefit Wall Street rather than combat inflation. • Market futures currently price in an 85% chance of a rate increase during the September 15-16 meeting.

• European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde stated that the inflation shock affecting the Eurozone will persist longer than previously expected. • The central bank leader indicated that price pressures are remaining stubborn across the currency bloc.

• The PalmaFutures Newsletter released its weekly market recap and outlook for the week of September 13, 2026. • Analysis highlights a divergence where the S&P 500 remains near record highs while the high yield bond advance-decline line has pulled back from its 2026 peaks.

• OpenAI CEO Sam Altman ruled out an initial public offering for the company in 2026 to prioritize AI safety. • Citi analysts predict the Federal Reserve will implement a "dovish hike," meaning a small interest rate increase accompanied by a signal that future hikes will be limited.

• Indian equity markets will remain closed on Monday for the Ganesh Chaturthi holiday. • The Nifty-50 index recently extended its losing streak to five consecutive weeks.

• Indian stock markets declined last week, with the Sensex falling 1,733.67 points and the Nifty dropping 499.6 points. • Analysts identify volatile Brent crude prices and tensions in West Asia as primary threats that could drive up inflation and depress the rupee.

• German companies increased their investments in China during the first half of the year compared to the same period in 2025. • A study by the German Economic Institute, using Bundesbank data, found that firms invested €5.6 billion ($6.5 billion) more in China.

• Dividend Talk and Analytics Insight identified European blue chips and specific Asian stocks as top income allocations for 2026. • DBS Group Holdings is highlighted for an estimated dividend yield between 5.4% and 6.1%, supported by its digital banking scale and Southeast Asian deposit base.