id
stringlengths 64
64
| published
stringlengths 19
25
| title
stringlengths 7
262
| description
stringlengths 6
54.4k
| link
stringlengths 31
227
| category
stringclasses 6
values | image
stringlengths 3
247
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
b2726f9bdd77ac55df6c44ef09d4f637e694b7107238bb6d09d0208967a72367
|
2026-01-21T00:18:27+00:00
|
Republicans begin to push back against Trump’s pursuit of Greenland
|
Party may vote to block any military action as it seeks to defuse growing rift with allies over the Arctic territory
|
https://www.ft.com/content/20917af3-1506-405c-9933-f8944961e2ea
|
Business & Finance
| |
f076b6276f028146fddf2caa2f8fa09e5f3f918288ef18c923ba77254eb82aa6
|
2026-01-21T10:00:02+00:00
|
Trump’s ‘wrecking ball’ set to touch down in Davos
|
From Venezuela to Iran and now Greenland, the volatile US president is tearing up global norms
|
https://www.ft.com/content/9db6aac7-ee35-47e1-aae6-5674eb906acc
|
Business & Finance
| |
9c7b15a8187a03ef93163bf79e64f468945899d5ac1b11e1cc4b3f9f6c6e2d51
|
2026-01-21T05:00:22+00:00
|
Can the EU keep up with Trump in a trade war?
|
While the US president fires off social media posts increasing tariffs, the bloc has to overcome political divisions to retaliate
|
https://www.ft.com/content/c3d1e6f6-4f37-4e1e-9b42-d46495107907
|
Business & Finance
| |
8af1b2a21f96568635a43d5b943f376bf1675df7a6a427c19c5ba5bc1da2180d
|
2026-01-21T05:00:31+00:00
|
World Economic Forum weighs moving flagship event from Davos
|
Organisation’s executives including chair Larry Fink discuss future of annual shindig for political and business elites
|
https://www.ft.com/content/da52a13e-98ff-4df5-9122-f80abd43ebe7
|
Business & Finance
| |
8cf8c0d4e0efa96550e33cefc9651b2f8be6fea6e015c3c825f8f2b2d1245d81
|
2026-01-20T23:46:26+00:00
|
Carney warns of ‘rupture’ to global order as Trump rattles allies
|
Canadian leader calls on ‘middle powers’ to unite as Davos braces for US president’s arrival
|
https://www.ft.com/content/7d9609d4-14cd-4b0c-b48c-0b3f2e4f6611
|
Business & Finance
| |
761d5755d0efd3f1c25d0d6fc39d92a505f70c5607b2b2138dbc11ffbace6cd8
|
2026-01-21T05:00:31+00:00
|
Novogratz’s Galaxy to launch $100mn crypto hedge fund
|
Billionaire’s firm plans portfolio to profit from rising and falling prices, following sharp sell-off in digital assets sector
|
https://www.ft.com/content/7c96bafe-c25a-492d-b3ce-e8ebe37bd274
|
Business & Finance
| |
c3363f558b531467ed1ab7eb6da42ef8f4141f1dfb2e7912bbcddac9275a071c
|
2026-01-21T06:46:29+00:00
|
Japan’s Takaichi vs the bond markets: investors place their bets
|
Prime minister has vowed ‘responsible fiscal expansion’ as she heads for an election but needs to convince debt managers
|
https://www.ft.com/content/ead3588f-19a9-47b8-8ed8-d600b545bb22
|
Business & Finance
| |
550be686925138bd078c8227a1fd7feed204ddc60ee4eeb105de1602f0d3e34c
|
2026-01-21T05:00:31+00:00
|
Private equity giant Thoma Bravo eyes software deals as shares fall
|
Firm’s co-founder Orlando Bravo tells FT that sector sell-off is creating a ‘huge buying opportunity’
|
https://www.ft.com/content/8c2a5c48-17bf-4baa-9bbf-ac6cbe9279ca
|
Business & Finance
| |
f2d863d1a3ad6150413845d1393e1b0abe647fab9b84b9097da40b40ef1f07dd
|
2026-01-21T11:09:00+00:00
|
Bessent: Deutsche Bank CEO doesn’t stand by analyst report saying Europeans could dump Treasury securities
|
Deutsche Bank CEO Christian Sewing was faced with a choice of defending one of his analysts or a key client — the U.S. Treasury Department.
|
https://www.marketwatch.com/story/bessent-deutsche-bank-ceo-doesnt-stand-by-analyst-report-saying-europeans-could-dump-treasury-securities-f424988e?mod=mw_rss_topstories
|
Business & Finance
|
https://images.mktw.net/im-09278320
|
0b2c2a0a8709a4170ff056b91108dc88204a97c02db45687b644af5a2ec524f8
|
2026-01-21T10:11:00+00:00
|
This bitcoin evangelist says inflation is far exceeding official statistics — by tracking ribeye prices
|
Forget the consumer price index — this bitcoin evangelist is tracking ribeye steak prices for what he thinks is a better measure of inflation.
|
https://www.marketwatch.com/story/this-bitcoin-evangelist-says-inflation-is-far-exceeding-official-statistics-by-tracking-ribeye-prices-31e0124c?mod=mw_rss_topstories
|
Business & Finance
|
https://images.mktw.net/im-71136077
|
b04b84ba990440c86699ea48ddf18d4831c5b25b8bef592b4b58b37e5b785e8c
|
2026-01-21T10:03:00+00:00
|
Easing the rift? King Charles invites Harry and Meghan to use his country estate.
|
The historic home offers a level of privacy which the couple would not likely have in London or Windsor.
|
https://www.marketwatch.com/story/easing-the-rift-king-charles-invites-harry-and-meghan-to-use-his-country-estate-de9dbfc9?mod=mw_rss_topstories
|
Business & Finance
|
https://images.mktw.net/im-01145302
|
75164a9e78a3a1660a6ba3b3a691d4de3d27c69a7948375a40908e47797466bc
|
2026-01-21T09:58:00+00:00
|
Former ‘Real Housewives’ star Yolanda Hadid pulls historic $11 million farmhouse off the market
|
Former “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Yolanda Hadid has taken her $10.88 million Pennsylvania farm off the market, three months after she listed the “sanctuary” for sale.
|
https://www.marketwatch.com/story/former-real-housewives-star-yolanda-hadid-pulls-historic-11-million-farmhouse-off-the-market-766d55fd?mod=mw_rss_topstories
|
Business & Finance
|
https://images.mktw.net/im-96876332
|
7bf545b9b93804a8633b86e05eeb1b3205c4476b900e74af294034c20ae1d602
|
2026-01-21T09:35:00+00:00
|
Why this time is not different: The history of geopolitical turmoil finds they usually lead to stock-market gains.
|
HSBC thinks the U.S. is close to the ‘danger zone’ but sees support from the Fed and from fourth-quarter earnings, suggesting the market is already technically oversold.
|
https://www.marketwatch.com/story/why-this-time-is-not-different-the-history-of-geopolitical-turmoil-finds-they-usually-lead-to-stock-market-gains-78077b51?mod=mw_rss_topstories
|
Business & Finance
|
https://images.mktw.net/im-22490421
|
5f230cca5ed6536248fffc9473cc8404a9ecf545d52e50ca512a7507b5cc9b70
|
2026-01-21T08:30:00+00:00
|
My sister is buying our parents’ $3 million house, but wants to deduct $100K for renovations. Who’s right?
|
“If she didn’t want the home, it would have been sold at fair market value.”
|
https://www.marketwatch.com/story/my-sister-is-buying-our-parents-3-million-house-but-wants-to-deduct-100k-for-renovations-whos-right-cd0e8129?mod=mw_rss_topstories
|
Business & Finance
|
https://images.mktw.net/im-60749498
|
2f946ad6eb8173fb83a5dd8d382a113080deef3fd54b63429762bfd9efc364f3
|
2026-01-21T04:42:00+00:00
|
‘People are often unreasonable when money is involved’: My husband, 62, gave me a 5-year life estate. Would I have to pay for a new roof?
|
“He has included a provision stating that I would be responsible for ‘maintenance and expenses’ during my occupancy.”
|
https://www.marketwatch.com/story/people-are-often-unreasonable-when-money-is-involved-my-husband-62-gave-me-a-5-year-life-estate-would-i-have-to-pay-for-a-new-roof-db4e0efb?mod=mw_rss_topstories
|
Business & Finance
|
https://images.mktw.net/im-28400325
|
67606660c8cfa95f982d940173833251db7191bb9b1023c9a4e645960a52cade
|
2026-01-21T04:10:00+00:00
|
‘I’m simply exhausted’: I’m 55 and have $1.3 million for retirement. Can I retire next year?
|
“I had a major health scare 4 years ago, and I’ve seen close friends die from cancer, heart disease, etc., way too soon.”
|
https://www.marketwatch.com/story/im-simply-exhausted-im-55-and-have-1-3-million-for-retirement-can-i-retire-next-year-8a796d64?mod=mw_rss_topstories
|
Business & Finance
|
https://images.mktw.net/im-72685915
|
88ae51581ab5223d4dc89cb72cb3509e65ccfc992028d2b1d6f30a46bf14561d
|
2026-01-21T03:49:00+00:00
|
Trump’s Greenland tariff threats rattle investors: The stakes are higher this time around
|
Retail investors don’t welcome the prospect of a prolonged trade war, but don’t freak out when you check your 401(k).
|
https://www.marketwatch.com/story/trump-threatens-more-tariffs-investors-gasp-dont-freak-out-over-your-401-k-d94aec34?mod=mw_rss_topstories
|
Business & Finance
|
https://images.mktw.net/im-41214681
|
a9a158b820804d422b3f1e355b8701b433137aa1babf7a7fe22328f18207e9e2
|
2026-01-21T10:10:09+00:00
|
Scott Bessent says U.S. is unconcerned by Treasury sell-off over Greenland, calls Denmark ‘irrelevant’
|
U.S. treasury secretary Scott Bessant addressed reporters at a press conference at the World Economic Forum on Wednesday.
|
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/21/bessent-davos-denmark-greenland-treasuries.html
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
6023988162d5c359f3ba6c1afdd8fdd1323c85718c1ae3b2153e1e6bf38b9b4f
|
2026-01-21T10:57:02+00:00
|
U.S. still 'the closest of allies' with the UK despite rift, Finance Minister Reeves says
|
The U.S. remains the "closest of allies" with the U.K. despite a growing rift between the U.S. and Europe over the future of Greenland, Rachel Reeves told CNBC.
|
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/21/chancellor-reeves-uk-us-trade-tariffs-.html
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
fc48756d17b9c2a91d424efe039c6d2d0c03267245f69b9758a5030e59f61f46
|
2026-01-21T07:23:15+00:00
|
Gold breaks new record on Greenland tariff threats — $7,000 level on the cards
|
Gold prices climbed to another record of over $4,800 on Wednesday, extending its sharp rally.
|
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/21/gold-prices-surge-record-4800-safe-haven-demand.html
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
dc47eb60e49320dc30f6275890bae4bad18465aff95768b826f74510b207bdc4
|
2026-01-21T11:00:01+00:00
|
Trump to speak at Davos as his Greenland push, tariff threats take center stage
|
Trump said over the weekend that he would slap tariffs on imports from eight European countries in retaliation for moving troops to Greenland.
|
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/21/trump-greenland-tariffs-davos-europe.html
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
8ea24954d4dac689a94cf8448fa4dabfdaf17564cb39774c2979512be88d12f5
|
2026-01-21T11:00:01+00:00
|
Supreme Court case on Trump bid to fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook set for oral arguments
|
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell plans to attend the oral arguments at the Supreme Court.
|
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/21/supreme-court-trump-fed-lisa-cook-powell.html
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
49104df3b5eb37edfa29309a84ca94e7eab91bb76f04fd0c9b333512b8d8d76e
|
2026-01-21T07:15:38+00:00
|
China says trade deal with U.S. will 'drain Taiwan’s economy' for American benefits
|
China doubled down its rhetorics on the trade agreement between Taiwan and the U.S., saying it would benefit Washington while eroding the island's strategic advantages.
|
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/21/china-us-taiwan-deal-semiconductors-chips-supply-chain-trade-deal.html
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
3f22d0a4d868cda4be3c3675604c6dc9b853889b05ce1c75e75f745a4242b886
|
2026-01-21T04:27:23+00:00
|
India’s largest company is caught in geopolitical tensions. But it faces the biggest challenge at home
|
Slowdown in sales growth of Reliance Retail has led brokerages to cut target prices on Reliance Industries.
|
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/21/india-reliance-oil-russia-trump-tariff-sanctions-retail-slowdown.html
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
d7a28a148eda8531f7131c8d0433cbbf3fa66904df6eb2fac1adfdb0ea5c37d1
|
2026-01-20T23:01:32+00:00
|
'You'll find out,' Trump says on Greenland takeover strategy
|
Trump will be meeting with world leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, later this week.
|
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/20/trump-greenland-takeover-strategy.html
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
71ca0126e19e380f8414c55a09425a876bd4f54f9bf6a78a93ced0d2bdcf0ffa
|
2026-01-20T21:13:51+00:00
|
Jerome Powell could stay at the Fed even after being removed as chair. Here's what that means
|
The saga over President Donald Trump's efforts to reshape the Federal Reserve has another twist.
|
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/20/powell-could-stay-at-fed-even-after-being-removed-as-chair.html
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
58e04afa2be67f95b3c0b9b2a796a131851f37d783645b148ce11a45e1df1a78
|
2026-01-20T19:40:34+00:00
|
Supreme Court tariff decision: How Trump administration could drag out timing of refund payments
|
A Supreme Court decision that Trump's tariffs are illegal would mean huge refunds, but the government could drag out the process of making businesses whole.
|
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/20/supreme-court-trump-tariff-decision-refunds.html
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
ae0dbefe3e822a1839d0492a105ac88979cd444f436ef4021a78100219f00514
|
2026-01-20T22:55:49+00:00
|
United Airlines could hit record earnings after strong start to 2026
|
United Airlines said 2026 is off to a strong start, both for premium seats and no-frills tickets, as it reported fourth-quarter earnings.
|
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/20/united-airlines-ual-4q-2025-earnings.html
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
4af6a852f9c4b9cd58d84881f6700e8bd4f5cb3b4421b227052b634892bbfbc8
|
2026-01-20T18:29:01+00:00
|
How my Coinbase account was almost stolen
|
A scammer almost convinced me to give him all the money in my Coinbase account.
|
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/20/how-my-coinbase-account-was-almost-stolen.html
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
5004d3277fc1471ae851868c3adb6ff9debbbdfde0c6c0f2a704c626d6707f66
|
2026-01-20T22:47:03+00:00
|
Netflix posts narrow earnings beat, reports 325 million global subscribers
|
Netflix this week amended its offer for Warner Bros. Discovery assets amid a Paramount Skydance hostile takeover attempt.
|
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/20/netflix-nflx-earnings-q4-2025.html
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
34084876c6a6c563db717e9e005897babb8a053ad99a59173c6442ffbb288062
|
2026-01-20T21:03:40+00:00
|
California billionaire tax faces potential 'uphill battle,' new poll finds
|
A poll released Tuesday found the proposed tax initiative starts out with 48% in favor and 38% opposed, but the gap shrinks as voters learn more.
|
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/20/california-billionaire-tax-faces-uphill-battle-new-poll-finds.html
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
b30ce466b57617814f735b3ac01f9b8c0246dbbff76d0c297765eb653beed7a5
|
2026-01-21T01:46:12+00:00
|
Greenland should be prepared for 'everything,' prime minister says, not ruling out U.S. military action
|
While the scenario is unlikely, Greenland has to be prepared as "the other side" has not ruled out the use of military force.
|
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/21/greenland-us-trump-military-takeover-nato.html
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
f1e2c0203108e4e5484ff65565dd79481691cf256fd45bf91555ea14106ffbc9
|
2026-01-20T21:42:45+00:00
|
OpenAI is rolling out age prediction for ChatGPT consumer plans
|
The model relies on a combination of account-level signals and behavioral signals, OpenAI said.
|
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/20/open-ai-age-prediction-chatgpt.html
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
2cbc8d18489e232bd67472f6198ef583615c84f333b52aa3e6ae31d32d077d13
|
2026-01-20T20:33:09+00:00
|
Another alliance of health care and AI signals why pharma stocks should be back in favor
|
Bristol Myers Squibb and Microsoft's new partnership aimed at accelerating early detection of lung cancer.
|
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/20/another-alliance-of-health-care-and-ai-signals-why-pharma-stocks-could-be-back.html
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
a2b8109ab9f0a21a179e533bf84322fb5f4112fed535176f1f27dd22755ee9dc
|
2026-01-20T19:51:15+00:00
|
Drug pricing, patent losses and deals: Here's what pharma execs see ahead in the industry
|
Big pharma is grappling with new drug pricing deals and roughly $300 billion in potential lost revenue from patent expirations of blockbuster drugs.
|
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/20/drug-pricing-patent-losses-deals-novo-nordisk-pfizer.html
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
dea6cc9b805f528535795e9545efd93f2b4dd749cd41498a8952d33e198263da
|
2026-01-20T18:23:14+00:00
|
Danish pension fund to sell $100 million in Treasurys, citing 'poor' U.S. government finances
|
AkademikerPension's move comes amid increasing tensions between Denmark and the U.S. over Greenland.
|
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/20/akademikerpension-us-treasury-greenland-trump.html
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
4e285db29cbb558924138650b424b9f99e48528fd9d9cb7370ab40c09f13e10e
|
2026-01-20T20:04:07+00:00
|
Amazon CEO Jassy says Trump's tariffs have started to 'creep' into prices
|
Sellers tried to absorb the tariff shock by buying stock ahead of time, but much of that inventory has run out, forcing some businesses to raise prices.
|
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/20/amazon-jassy-trump-tariffs-prices-shoppers.html
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
d73e605e9a637aabb5079c0ac0c39eef790f438b5fc36ba4893ea0a4001b272a
|
2026-01-20T19:51:55+00:00
|
Salesforce's Benioff calls for AI regulation, says models have become 'suicide coaches'
|
Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff described AI models as "suicide coaches" at the World Economic Forum's flagship conference Tuesday.
|
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/20/salesforce-benioff-ai-regulation-suicide-coaches.html
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
47cd70abbfeb707372a999849166152685405d89a338fe488fa275b0fcdd53b3
|
2026-01-21T10:05:36+00:00
|
UK inflation rises to 3.4% in December, above forecasts
|
The U.K. inflation rate rose to 3.4% in December, above forecasts of 3.3% from economists polled by Reuters.
|
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/21/uk-inflation-december-2025-uk-prices.html
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
c24d60f7ebd53b560f4e48dcf56d4f9ebb7f34ab4a181236ce65009b82a9cc04
|
2026-01-20T16:39:10+00:00
|
Trump's Greenland tariff threats could be upended by Supreme Court decision
|
The Supreme Court tariff decision could decide the fate of President Donald Trump's threat to tariff NATO nations over control of Greenland.
|
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/20/trump-greenland-tariffs-nato-supreme-court-decision.html
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
5f9333987e90cd9fa72b3a91e0a9f7b3790e932ecd829682c3676ced7b298626
|
2026-01-21T09:57:55+00:00
|
Edinburgh Worldwide shareholders reject Saba Capital plan to oust board after bitter dispute
|
EWIT's board have defeated Boaz Weinstein's U.S. activist hedge fund for a second time following a bitter boardroom battle.
|
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/21/edinburgh-worldwide-shareholders-reject-saba-bid-boardroom-hedge-fund-battle-investors.html
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
646c360eff6bc2dbdfdb7fd08c201024c4530f000eeaf8c664953d9259eed06f
|
2026-01-21T09:40:05+00:00
|
Chinese tech giants enter the 'agentic commerce' race as AI reshapes super apps
|
China's tech giants are jostling to gain an edge in the AI race, as firms seek to develop models capable of coordinating and performing functions across sites.
|
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/21/china-tech-ai-agentic-commerce-super-apps-alibaba-taobao-qwen-tencent-wechat-doubbao-weixin.html
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
a1f8bf8c62c10ec341795c501fbbfc2ff8630c4ae8acc46f8ad204284c1a9944
|
2026-01-21T08:28:51+00:00
|
CNBC's The China Connection newsletter: China's new global playbook —from exporter to investor
|
Chinese companies are no longer just exporting overseas, instead eyeing partnerships and local investments for global expansion.
|
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/21/cnbcs-the-china-connection-newsletter-chinas-new-global-playbook-from-exporter-to-investor.html
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
13617af7295e8774333064fd3614cb1ba96984448f0acdba65f96fde23f50b2c
|
2026-01-21T07:48:27+00:00
|
Gold climbs to new high as Trump’s Greenland-linked tariff threats rattle Asia markets
|
Asia-Pacific markets mostly fell, mirroring overnight losses on Wall Street after President Donald Trump escalated rhetoric over Greenland.
|
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/21/asia-pacific-markets-nikkei-225-kospi-nifty-50-wall-street-trump-greenland-tariffs.html
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
d548a9f8e5986155d90c33b46677c7b70b951d3fdcaa8254c9a8b94e533a4b2d
|
2026-01-20T21:04:09+00:00
|
'This is sell America' — U.S. dollar, Treasury prices tumble and gold spikes as globe flees U.S. assets
|
The 'sell America' trade is in full swing Tuesday morning.
|
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/20/sell-america-trade-dollar-treasury-gold-us-trump-greenland.html
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
7ee4d52a49abc64b5e33beea327fcc8ded7215163db0716b56baf92997c10bda
|
2026-01-20T21:21:22+00:00
|
ServiceNow inks deal with OpenAI to boost its AI software stack
|
ServiceNow has been on an acquisition frenzy as it looks to position itself as a key AI software player.
|
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/20/servicenow-openai-ai-software-saas.html
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
d81a3b79035d0a0e68e7719a97e9407b43af13c62f143b0fd0afb5d7a77d2827
|
2026-01-20T23:20:36+00:00
|
Bessent says Trump's pick for the next Fed chair could happen next week
|
The president has whittled down the field to four candidates, Bessent told CNBC during an interview at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland.
|
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/20/bessent-says-trumps-pick-for-the-next-fed-chair-could-happen-next-week.html
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
561a0f27c3451d215b08721fc912932ec1e0bef241adfa3ba5a7e3310ff3dbcd
|
2026-01-21T02:00:25+00:00
|
Empowering content creators, supporting livelihoods at Nestlé Professional’s first-ever TikTok affiliates event
|
Social commerce has changed the landscape of discovering and purchasing products online. Through live selling and affiliate content creators on social media platforms like TikTok, buying an item is now as easy as scrolling on your feed, clicking the yellow basket and proceeding to checkout. This streamlined process is what brands are leveraging to keep up with today’s dynamic retail space and bring their products directly to consumers. Nestlé Professional, with its commitment to empower creators and foster collaboration in the food and beverage industry, gathered over 100 affiliates from Metro Manila and nearby cities to join the Nestlé Professional Creator Playground last Nov. 5. Culinary experts conducted hands-on workshops and live demos using Nestlé Professional and Maggi Professional products that served as a guide for attendees to boost their selling potential and further elevate their content on TikTok. The event also featured informative and inspiring talks about content creation strategies, effective use of social media platforms, and best practices for monetizing content through affiliate marketing. “We recognize the growing influence of social commerce and the vital role that content creators play in shaping consumer preferences. By bringing together creators, we aim to provide them with the tools, resources, and support they need to thrive in this space,” said Nestlé Professional Business Executive Officer Rica Mier. “This event is just the beginning of our goal to build a community where creators feel valued and empowered to share their experiences with our brand.” Michelle Mendoza from Antipolo City is one of the content creators who joined the Nestlé Professional Creator Playground. According to her, she gained valuable insights from the event about developing more creative videos for her audience and driving sales. While new to the TikTok affiliate scene, Michelle has a background in business marketing that makes her comfortable in communicating with all types of people through live selling. “Swak kami ni TikTok at ng pag-a-affiliate. Yan ang aking passion. At yung gusto ko sa ganito, sarili mo yung oras mo.” Just like Michelle, fellow Nestlé Professional affiliate Jenalyn Vicente enjoys the freedom that being an affiliate provides especially to moms like her who are looking for an additional source of income. “’Yung kinikita ko sa dati kong work, kinikita ko na rin ngayon. Sina-sideline ko lang dati itong pag-a-affiliate. Mula pa-isa-isang items, dumami nang dumami dahil ina-approach talaga ng tao,” she shared. Self-proclaimed rakitero Genesis Quejada added being an affiliate to his long list of side hustles just after graduating college this year. He believes consistency and hard work are key to make it big in this line of work. “’Yung strategy ko ay mag-live for two hours in the morning and two hours at night. ’Yung pagitan ng oras ko na ’yun, I make more content in batches para kung ma-busy man in the next days, may ready-made videos pa rin for posting,” he said. Because Nestlé products are pantry and kitchen essentials in Filipino homes, Michelle said they’re always in demand. Discounts vouchers and freebies also attract more consumers to their page and to check out the products they’re showcasing. This results in higher sales and bigger commissions for the affiliates. When asked about their long-term goals as an affiliate, everyone expressed their desire to earn enough to save for the future. Michelle and Genesis both also want to one day establish their own brands and employ affiliates of their own as a way to share their expertise and opportunities to others. Jenalyn, on the other hand, aims for financial security. “Kaya ako nag-affiliate para makatulong sa family ko fully at magkaroon ng extra income. ’Di na ako hihingi sa iba. Lahat ito sarili kong sikap.” Being an affiliate may seem easy at first look — just promoting products through videos and live selling — but it does come with its own set of challenges such as managing time wisely, coming up with engaging and fresh content ideas, and avoiding violations that may get your account banned, among others. Genesis advises new and aspiring affiliates to familiarize themselves well with the community guidelines and strictly adhere to them in creating content and during lives. Through the Nestlé Professional Affiliate Program, Nestlé aims to improve the livelihoods of its affiliates and help them maximize their potential as content creators. Check out @barangayNestlé on TikTok to know more and score the best deals on your favorite Nestlé products. Spotlight is BusinessWorld’s sponsored section that allows advertisers to amplify their brand and connect with BusinessWorld’s audience by publishing their stories on the BusinessWorld Web site. For more information, send an email to online@bworldonline.com. Join us on Viber at https://bit.ly/3hv6bLA to get more updates and subscribe to BusinessWorld’s titles and get exclusive content through www.bworld-x.com.
|
https://www.bworldonline.com/spotlight/2026/01/21/725529/empowering-content-creators-supporting-livelihoods-at-nestle-professionals-first-ever-tiktok-affiliates-event/
|
Business & Finance
| |
3406cf7cbf1a0f4e40c77096ac7c4fee254efedad07543d56c04beabb2600e59
|
2026-01-21T01:54:37+00:00
|
SEC studies lifting moratorium on new online lending platforms
|
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said it is studying a possible lifting of the moratorium on the registration of new online lending platforms. “The moratorium is already long — it’s already long, so I said it’s about time to study [whether] to lift it,” SEC Chairperson Francisco Ed. Lim told reporters on the sidelines of an event on Monday. In November 2021, the SEC imposed a moratorium on the registration of new online lending platforms run by financing and lending companies as it worked on rules to curb predatory lending and abusive debt collection practices. “Liberalizing the rules — that’s my focus this year,” Mr. Lim said.–Alexandria Grace C. Magno
|
https://www.bworldonline.com/corporate/2026/01/21/725526/sec-studies-lifting-moratorium-on-new-online-lending-platforms/
|
Business & Finance
| |
4651a1e1f1ebdf25c53191c6e13a751cce55cf2534944300825314408f2b5caf
|
2026-01-21T01:09:49+00:00
|
Billionaires 4,000 times more likely to hold political office, says Oxfam report
|
Billionaires, whose wealth saw record growth in 2025, are 4,000 times more likely to hold political office than ordinary citizens, according to a global Oxfam report released Tuesday, coinciding with the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. In the report titled “Resisting the Rule of the Rich: Protecting Freedom from Billionaire Power,” Oxfam said that 11% of the world’s billionaires had either held or sought political office in 2023, making them 4,000 times more likely to occupy political positions than average citizens. Oxfam warned that this extreme concentration of political power is “hollowing out democracies, weakening public institutions, and driving growing anger and unrest worldwide, including in the Philippines.” The organization noted that billionaires’ increased political participation coincides with their record-breaking wealth. In 2025 alone, the wealth of the world’s billionaires grew by more than 16%, or US $18.3 trillion, Oxfam said, marking a growth rate three times faster than the average of the previous five years. The number of billionaires worldwide also surpassed 3,000 for the first time. This surge comes amid persistent global inequality, with nearly half of the world’s population living in poverty, Oxfam said. “The widening gap between the rich and the rest is creating a political deficit that is highly dangerous and unsustainable,” Amitabh Behar, Oxfam International executive director, said in a statement. “Governments are making wrong choices to pander to the elite, defending wealth while repressing people’s rights and fueling anger as many struggle with unaffordable and unbearable living conditions.” The report also cited the World Values Survey, which found that almost half of respondents across 66 countries believe that wealthy people often buy elections in their countries. In the Philippines, Oxfam highlighted that recent corruption in flood control projects has worsened income inequality. The country remains the 15th most unequal globally and among the Southeast Asian nations with the starkest wealth divide, the report said. “Filipinos are witnessing inequality become a matter of life and death when corruption diverts billions meant for flood control, while the wealthy amass record fortunes,” Maria Rosario “Lot” Felizco, Oxfam Pilipinas executive director, told BusinessWorld in a text message. “We cannot let wealth and greed capture our democracy and determine who gets protected and who is abandoned during disasters,” she added. Meanwhile, Oxfam Pilipinas policy advocacy and communications manager Mai Lagman told BusinessWorld in a phone interview that a local report detailing billionaires’ political influence in the Philippines is set to be released soon. Oxfam urged governments to control the political power of extreme wealth by implementing realistic, time-bound national inequality reduction plans, effectively taxing the super-rich, enforcing stronger firewalls between wealth and politics, and ensuring accountability for the political empowerment of ordinary citizens. Oxfam International is a global confederation of over 20 organizations working in over 70 countries to fight poverty, reduce inequality, and promote social justice.— Edg Adrian A. Eva
|
https://www.bworldonline.com/economy/2026/01/21/725519/billionaires-4000-times-more-likely-to-hold-political-office-says-oxfam-report/
|
Business & Finance
| |
179d870a959fbbfd0291cf445a1e36d4111eb41c23c35c9ee7f6f08f37b6387b
|
2026-01-20T16:33:38+00:00
|
Philippines looks to raise $1.5B via triple-tranche dollar bonds
|
By Aaron Michael C. Sy, Reporter THE GOVERNMENT is seeking to raise at least $1.5 billion from its triple-tranche offering of dollar-denominated notes, marking the Marcos administration’s fourth offshore bond issuance and its first in a year. National Treasurer Sharon P. Almanza said in a Viber message that the government is targeting benchmark volumes of at least $500 million for the 5.5-year, 10-year, and 25-year issuances. “This transaction marks the Republic’s return to the international capital markets for 2026, building on a robust track record of successful issuances, following a dual-currency issuance of $2.25 billion and €1 billion in January 2025, a $2.5-billion triple-tranche offering in August 2024, and a $2-billion dual-tranche offering in May 2024,” the Bureau of the Treasury said in a statement on Tuesday. Proceeds of the issuance will be used for general budget financing, it added. The government aims to price the 5.5-year tranche at about 70 basis points (bps) over the US Treasuries, the 10-year tranche at around 100 bps over US Treasuries, and the 25-year tranche at near 5.9% levels. The transaction was scheduled to be priced during the New York session on Tuesday, with the settlement date set on Jan. 27. “The Marcos administration remains firmly committed to promoting strong and inclusive socioeconomic growth. This transaction underscores our steadfast dedication to sound fiscal policy and sustainable development. We are confident that our policy direction and reform agenda will continue to resonate with the global investment community and support a successful outcome for this offering,” Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go said in a statement. BofA Securities, Deutsche Bank, HSBC (B&D), JPMorgan, Morgan Stanley, Standard Chartered Bank and UBS were mandated as joint lead managers and bookrunners for the transaction. The global bonds, which will be drawn from the government’s existing shelf program, were rated “Baa2” by Moody’s Ratings, “BBB+” by S&P Global Ratings, and “BBB” by Fitch Ratings. These ratings are in line with the Philippine government’s issuer rating. “We have seen favorable market conditions for the Republic to return to the international capital markets today. Anchored on stable fundamentals and our recent credit affirmation, this transaction reflects our proactive and strategic approach to secure cost-efficient funding while advancing the National Government’s development priorities,” Ms. Almanza said. Meanwhile, a trader said in a text message that the issuance could be affected by the sell-off in Japanese bonds and US Treasury yield movements on Tuesday, which could result in investors asking for higher yields but still lower than the initial price guidance. Philippine Institute for Development Studies Senior Research Fellow John Paolo R. Rivera likewise said in a Viber message that the demand for the dollar bonds could be “healthy but selective” amid a weak peso and volatile US market. The local unit on Tuesday closed at P59.455 versus the greenback, weakening by 1.5 centavos from its P59.44 finish on Monday, data from the Bankers Association of the Philippines showed. The peso’s intraday low of P59.50 was its weakest on record, surpassing the previous record low of P59.46 set on Jan. 15 as well as the P59.47 it briefly touched. “A softer peso often pushes some investors toward higher-yield emerging-market papers like Philippine-issued USD bonds, especially if yields are attractive relative to US Treasuries and regional peers,” Mr. Rivera said. “But, global risk sentiment and interest rate uncertainty mean that investors will be discerning on timing, tenor, and pricing.” Mr. Rivera added that the government will have to price the global bonds higher if the dollar rallies or risk appetite wanes to secure demand, but a more stable US market could tighten spreads. “On rates, expect the government to pay a premium relative to recent periods of calm both to compensate for forex (foreign exchange) risk and global volatility,” Mr. Rivera said.
|
https://www.bworldonline.com/top-stories/2026/01/21/725430/philippines-looks-to-raise-1-5b-via-triple-tranche-dollar-bonds/
|
Business & Finance
| |
7eb74b42e05f6d65765d80395b02e7b9ab28cf0c6ea9c84eb616a1bb933de2c7
|
2026-01-20T16:32:37+00:00
|
Philippine agriculture output likely increased in 2025
|
By Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel THE PHILIPPINES’ agricultural production is estimated to have grown modestly in 2025 as gains in poultry and crop output likely offset the decline in livestock and fisheries, analysts said. Former Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar told BusinessWorld that he estimated agriculture output to have expanded by about 2% in 2025. If this projection is realized, it will be a reversal from the 2.2% decline in farm output recorded in 2024. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported an agricultural output of P1.72 trillion in 2024, down from P1.76 trillion a year earlier. “Overall, for the 2025 performance of the agriculture sector, there is potentially an increase in output year on year. The crops and poultry subsector will have positive growth as compared to the negative growth of livestock and fisheries,” Mr. Dar said in a Viber message. Former Agriculture Undersecretary Fermin D. Adriano said a higher full-year output in 2025 can be attributed to relatively better weather conditions. “My sense is that agriculture performed better in 2025 compared to 2024, which saw a series of devastating typhoons and flooding,” he told BusinessWorld via Viber. Meanwhile, Raul Q. Montemayor, national manager of the Federation of Free Farmers, said agriculture output is likely lower or flat in the fourth quarter of 2025. According to PSA data, agricultural output in the fourth quarter of 2024 fell 1.95% to P484.59 million from P494.25 million a year earlier. “I think it will basically be the same story — lower or stagnant output, with only the poultry sector as the bright spot. I think palay (unmilled rice) and corn will be down,” he told BusinessWorld via Viber. Mr. Montemayor said the low farmgate prices of palay and corn last year likely discouraged farmers, leading to a reduced crop output. Palay and corn account for about 27% of the Philippines’ total crop output. Data from the PSA showed that palay production in the fourth quarter of 2025 fell by 5.21% to 6.85 million metric tons (MMT) from 7.23 MMT a year earlier. POULTRY GROWTH For both fourth-quarter and annual output, analysts project a strong turnout for the poultry subsector and declines in livestock and fisheries output. Elias Jose M. Inciong, chairman of the United Broiler Raisers Association, told BusinessWorld that poultry output likely grew in the fourth quarter of 2025 from a year earlier. “The reason would probably be an influx of new entrants to the industry,” he said in a Viber message. For the livestock subsector, the African Swine Fever (ASF), a highly contagious viral disease lethal to swine and wild boars, likely continued to weigh down on production. “ASF continues to be a problem not only in terms of casualties but also hesitance of hog raisers to repopulate because of the risk,” Mr. Montemayor said. Meanwhile, Norberto O. Chingcuanco, a board member of the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute and co-convenor of Tugon Kabuhayan, said weather disruptions in the fourth quarter heavily affected fishery production. “It was a good increase till Typhoon Uwan (international name: Fung-wong) hit us. A huge volume of fish escaped from sea cages,” he told BusinessWorld via Facebook Messenger in mixed English and Filipino Data from the Department of Agriculture showed that Typhoon Uwan caused P83.66 million in damage to fisheries, with almost 21,000 metric tons of fishery commodities reported lost. However, Mr. Chingcuanco said fishery output did not actually disappear or decline in terms of its contribution to national food security. Many of the fish that escaped from sea cages were later caught as community catch, which official statistics cannot track. The PSA will release the 2025 fourth-quarter and full-year agriculture output data on Jan. 28, a day before the release of fourth-quarter and full-year preliminary gross domestic product (GDP) data on Jan. 29. Agriculture output contributes about a tenth to GDP and a fourth of the country’s jobs.
|
https://www.bworldonline.com/top-stories/2026/01/21/725428/philippine-agriculture-output-likely-increased-in-2025/
|
Business & Finance
| |
a535e3399a4d8eb1965d65cca76048796552316c17f11c524f36bbfe34b2f576
|
2026-01-20T16:31:36+00:00
|
Maybank sees Philippine economy growing below target until 2027
|
PHILIPPINE ECONOMIC growth may continue to undershoot the government’s targets until next year as the lingering effects of the flood control corruption scandal will likely derail recovery, Maybank Investment Banking Group said. Maybank economist Azril Rosli said the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) may have grown by 4.8% in 2025, before picking up slightly to 4.9% in 2026. This was down from their earlier estimates of 5.6% and 5.8%, respectively. If realized, these will fall short of the government’s targets of 5.5%-6.5% for 2025 and 5%-6% for 2026. “So, we did some quantification on the… impact of the flood control (issue on the Philippine economy). Based on the quantification, we actually revised our GDP growth for the Philippines to 4.8% in 2025 and to 4.9% in 2026,” Mr. Rosli told a media briefing on Tuesday. “I think… currently the important significant features that we are looking at (are) driven by the flood control spending cuts, as well as the broader Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) budget consolidation,” he added. “We thought that the quantification is expected to derail the government’s medium-term economic targets.” Last year, investigations into anomalous flood control projects across the country uncovered widescale corruption involving lawmakers, DPWH officials and private contractors. The controversy weakened consumer and investor sentiment as well as slowed government spending and household consumption, driving GDP growth to an over four-year low of 4% in the third quarter. As of end-September, GDP growth stood at 5%. However, Maybank analysts said the lower end of this year’s target is still attainable if private consumption, which accounts for about 43% of GDP, will pick up. “(At) the end of the day, it’s really the consumer segment that’s the biggest driver for the Philippines. So, as long as your underlying demand remains quite robust… then the 5%, to a certain extent, is achievable,” Kervin Sisayan, head of equity research at Maybank Securities Philippines, said. Mr. Rosli likewise said that the government’s renewed push for reforms and catch-up plans, if materialized, could provide some boost for domestic demand and investment climate in the near term. “We’ll see clearer policy direction, improved regulatory certainty, and stronger public-private engagement that can help unlock delayed private investment and accelerate project implementation,” he said. “So, this could definitely help in terms of, especially on infrastructure, energy as well as strategic industries. And, this could also provide (a) meaningful boost to domestic demand in the second half of the year.” For 2027, Maybank expects the economy to expand by 5.2%, also below the 5.5%-6.5% aimed by the government. If Maybank’s projections until 2027 hold true, the Philippines would miss its growth targets for a fifth straight year. INFLATION TO PICK UP Meanwhile, Maybank said Philippine inflation is expected to accelerate this year due to base effects, stabile utility costs and a weak peso in the first half. The bank sees the consumer price index picking up to 2.2% this year from 1.7% in 2025. If realized, inflation will be back to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) 2%-4% target. “Looking ahead, inflation is suspected to gradually pick up to around 2.2% in 2026, moving closer to the BSP’s target range as base effects fade and utility-related costs stabilize,” Mr. Rosli said. He also noted that geopolitical tensions and exchange rate volatility pose risks to transport inflation, which could bring price pressures this year. On Jan. 15, the peso slumped to a fresh low of P59.46 against the dollar, surpassing the previous record of P59.44 versus the greenback on Jan. 14. Amid this macro backdrop, Maybank sees room for deeper cuts this year to bring the benchmark policy rate to 4%. Mr. Rosli said the central bank will likely deliver one 25-basis-point (bp) cut in each half of the year. “We’re maintaining vigilance on emerging risks from the external trade outlook, as well as geopolitical tensions and tariff-related uncertainties,” he said. “So, the policy stance balances providing monetary accommodation to support economic activity while preserving credibility on inflation control, as well as maintaining adequate policy space for future shocks.” The Monetary Board has so far lowered key borrowing costs by 200 bps since August 2024, bringing it to an over three-year low of 4.5%. BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. has said that they could consider easing further but noted that it may be unlikely given current economic data and as the policy rate is already close to where they want it to be. Still, he left the door open for two 25-bp cuts this year if economic growth turns out weaker than they anticipated. The Monetary Board is set to have its first policy review this year on Feb. 19. — Katherine K. Chan
|
https://www.bworldonline.com/top-stories/2026/01/21/725427/maybank-sees-philippine-economy-growing-below-target-until-2027/
|
Business & Finance
| |
d59ed33a882d2d873d41af2391c9dfbed001146d7e346faced7f842ee1fba851
|
2026-01-20T16:09:50+00:00
|
ACEN to invest P60B in PHL solar, wind, and battery projects
|
RENEWABLE ENERGY developer ACEN Corp. is expected to allocate the bulk of its P80-billion capital expenditure (capex) this year to the development of its major renewable energy projects in the Philippines. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, ACEN President and Chief Executive Officer Eric T. Francia said the budget will finance solar, wind, and battery storage projects currently in the company’s pipeline. “Over 60 billion [is allocation for] the Philippines alone,” Mr. Francia said. If realized, the P80-billion capex would surpass last year’s actual spending of around P55 billion. ACEN currently operates 4.3 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy projects across its markets, including the Philippines, Australia, Vietnam, India, Indonesia, Laos, and the United States. Mr. Francia said the company expects to end the year with more than 5 GW of operational renewable energy capacity, as around 1 GW of projects is set to be energized this year. “We’ll be more than 5 GW operational expected by end of this year. And then we should be close to 7 GW operational by next year,” he said, referring to projects under construction and backed by signed agreements. The company also anticipates improved performance this year compared with 2025, supported by additional output from recently energized plants and those scheduled to come online. “The wind farms that were impacted in late 2024 by the typhoon have been substantially restored already since the third quarter of last year,” Mr. Francia said. “So the plants have been stable in terms of operations. That would definitely add to the volume output.” For the nine months ending September, ACEN posted a 78% drop in attributable net income to P1.79 billion from P8.14 billion a year ago. Revenues fell 18% to P23 billion from P28 billion in the previous year, reflecting softer electricity prices and lower power generation output. On the local bourse on Tuesday, ACEN shares fell 3.92% to close at P2.94 apiece. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera
|
https://www.bworldonline.com/corporate/2026/01/21/725466/acen-to-invest-p60b-in-phl-solar-wind-and-battery-projects/
|
Business & Finance
| |
0151ce6e6fd1c745e7768d605541f2b4dd684509467e60bc4bffd92c94f4c9ae
|
2026-01-20T16:08:31+00:00
|
Art Fair Philippines makes another move
|
ART FAIR Philippines has moved away from the central business district in the Ayala Avenue area that had served as its home for years — first at the car park next to the Shangri-La Makati, then the Ayala Triangle garden — to a completely different area of Makati. The 13th edition of the art fair will occupy Circuit Corporate Center One at Circuit Makati, from Feb. 6 to 8. For the fair’s founders — Trickie Colayco-Lopa, Lisa Ongpin-Periquet, and Geraldine “Dindin” Araneta — there’s great potential to be found in the new venue. There, six floors of an office building will be repurposed for the fair. While it may seem like an odd journey from a carpark to an urban garden and now to an office building, the three expressed their eagerness to continue growing a local audience for contemporary art in another part of the city. “This year’s edition is not just an art fair — it’s the start of a bigger cultural ecosystem in the heart of Makati,” Ms. Lopa told the media at a press conference in Circuit, the former Santa Ana racetrack that Ayala started developing in 2011. “They have a mall complex and a performing arts theater here, and soon they will have an arts hub,” she said. Ms. Araneta added that the contemporary art museum being built by Ayala by the Pasig River (slated for completion in 2027) is one of the reasons art enthusiasts must get used to the area. GETTING THERE There will be hourly P2P buses from the One Ayala transport hub on EDSA corner Ayala Ave., to cater to fairgoers coming from the central business district. The bus will stop right in front of Circuit Corporate Center One. “It’s not that far. It’s not that bad, but I understand it’s also a psychological thing — that it’s not where it used to be, in the center of Makati,” Ms. Periquet said. Art Fair Philippines is also partnering with Grab to offer a promo code. She explained that having the corporate center repurposed is an exciting part of the Art Fair. “We’ve had a rich history of adaptive reuse of space, especially in a country like the Philippines where we lack the infrastructure, so it’s an appropriate adjustment for us. Adaptive reuse is a practical move,” said Ms. Araneta. “This year, it’s six floors of an office building with glass partitions, so design firm Leandro V. Locsin and Associates is working with that element to carve out gallery spaces.” The art fair will occupy levels six to 11 of Circuit Corporate Center One. They will be serviced by eight elevators in total, to accommodate persons with disabilities (PWDs). “I invite people to be adventurous. They’re building up this space as an art hub. There will be a contemporary art center coming up in the corner by the river in a very beautiful site, so it’s good to get used to this space,” Ms. Periquet added. “It’s exciting to have a new place every year, but it’s hard for us because planning it is not easy.” All three founders shared that they aim for the move to Circuit, Makati, to be permanent. EXHIBITORS AND HIGHLIGHTS This year’s fair will have exhibitors from the Philippines, France, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Spain. They are: 125 Projects, Ames Yavuz, Archivo 1984, Art Agenda, Art Cube Gallery, Art for Space, Art Lounge Manila, Art Underground, Art Verité Gallery, Artemis Art, Avellana Art Gallery, Boston Art Gallery, Caiyun Art, Cartellino, Cayón, CCP x Scarletbox, Core Contemporary, Der-Horng Art Gallery, FotomotoPH, Gajah Gallery, Galerie Stephanie, Gallery Kogure, ISTORYA STUDIOS, J Studio, Kaida Contemporary, Kawata Gallery, León Gallery, Modeka Art, Museo Trece, Orange Project, Parallel+, Pintô Art Museum and Arboretum, Qube Gallery, Rose Studio Art Gallery, SHUKADO + SCENA, Silverlens, Tarzeer Pictures, The Columns Gallery, The Crucible Gallery, The METRO Gallery, TLYR Collective, Tomura Lee, Triangulum, Village Art Gallery, Vin Gallery, White Walls Gallery, Yeo Kaa (Ames Yavuz), YOD Gallery, and Ysobel Art Gallery. This year’s edition aims to have “greater spatial flexibility and a more integrated environment for galleries, curated projects, and public programming.” The ArtFairPH/Projects section will be celebrating artistic excellence and experimental innovation, with a focus on modern masters and contemporary visionaries. It will be placed in an exhibition space designed by Nazareno/Lichauco. Artists featured are Imelda Cajipe Endaya, Ambie Abaño, Max Balatbat, Ged Unson Merino, Jon and Tessy Pettyjohn, Filipino diaspora artists from Berlin-based Sa Tahanan Co. collective, Spanish artist Ampparito, and four late Filipino masters: Brenda Fajardo, Constancio Bernardo, Solomon Saprid, and Romeo Tabuena. “There’s a wonderful variety in our Projects section this year. We have so many featured artists each year — sometimes six, sometimes eight — and this time we have 11,” Ms. Periquet said. “There’s social realism, geometric abstraction, printmaking, installation art, ceramics. There’s really a variety.” The ArtFairPH/Residencies section this year will welcome Anne-Laure Lemaitre as the curator for the residency grant. An independent curator and producer based in New York, Ms. Lemaitre is recognized for her work in cross-disciplinary projects and her expertise in navigating the intersection of public art, technology, and cultural storytelling. Applications are now officially open, inviting artists to engage in this transformative cross-cultural dialogue. This year’s ArtFairPH/Talks, handled by the Ateneo Art Gallery and the Museum Foundation of the Philippines, will present daily discussions that dive into the evolving art landscape, including project artists’ work at the fair and experts’ views on art collecting and the art market. Speakers and specific topics for the 2026 sessions will be announced on the fair’s website. Now on its fourth year, the ArtFairPH/Digital section will feature painter and graphic artist TRNZ’s animated short film The Keeper, created in collaboration with Fleet Studios. It explores “the gravity of pressure in our society, and how important things fall through the cracks in pursuit of success, accolades, and external validation.” There will also be an immersive installation by TLYR Collective. It will center on the theme of “digital alchemy,” where the fluidity of identity in virtual spaces is explored and the boundary between physical and simulated is challenged using generative art and augmented reality. 10 DAYS OF ART Complementing the fair is the 10 Days of Art initiative, a series of events, public installations, and museum openings held around Makati City from Jan. 30 to Feb. 8. Some of the public art include a usable carousel of fantastical creatures by Ronald Ventura at Ayala Malls Circuit, an interactive piece called Signs and Intimations by Alfredo and Isabel Aquilizan at the Fountain Area of Ayala Tower One, and Nagsasalitang Ulo by Mich Dulce and Art 2 Wear by Joel Wijangco, both at Greenbelt 5. Photography collective FotomotoPH will also transform the Paseo Underpass into a display of local photography, while Isaiah Cacnio will present his digital work Between Thoughts on the walls of the One Ayala Mall Terminal, the Glorietta 4 Cinema, the Glorietta Activity Center, Greenbelt 4, and Circuit Mall Makati. A regular day pass to the fair is P750. Tickets for students, senior citizens, and PWDs with valid IDs are P500. Makati students and teachers with valid IDs can get tickets for a discounted price of P300. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.artfairphilippines.com. They will also be available at the reception area for the duration of the event. For more information, visit the Art Fair Philippines website and follow Art Fair Philippines on Instagram (@artfairph) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/artfairph). — Brontë H. Lacsamana
|
https://www.bworldonline.com/arts-and-leisure/2026/01/21/725340/art-fair-philippines-makes-another-move/
|
Business & Finance
| |
f9ff5583a4428dc066209a614da53f3c28c088c70f1339d44055145ec0a3b35b
|
2026-01-20T16:08:17+00:00
|
PSEi may approach 7,000 in 2026 on supportive macro, regulatory factors — ICCP
|
THE PHILIPPINE Stock Exchange index (PSEi) may approach the 7,000 mark this year, supported by falling interest rates, steady economic conditions, and regulatory reforms, according to the Investment & Capital Corporation of the Philippines (ICCP). ICCP President and Chief Operating Officer Manny Ocampo said he is “cautiously optimistic” about the market but warned that full-year 2025 corporate results could trigger short-term volatility. “We are cautiously optimistic for the market, maybe looking at the PSEi hitting 7,000 for 2026, bearing no big negative surprises,” he said in a statement on Tuesday. The PSEi closed at 6,052.92 on Dec. 29, 7.3% lower than the 6,528.79 close on Dec. 27, 2024. However, the benchmark index recently staged a strong rebound, rising 1.52% or 97.72 points to 6,487.53 on Jan. 15, its highest finish in six months. The broader all-share index also gained 0.68% or 24.76 points to 3,660.7. Mr. Ocampo said the recent rise in the PSEi reflects a “catch-up” phase compared with regional peers, noting that market momentum could build further barring major external shocks. He also noted that slower business activity in certain sectors and unforeseen disruptions could lead to temporary swings. From a macroeconomic perspective, 2026 is expected to be a year of consolidation, he said, with inflation projected by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to accelerate to 3.2% before cooling to 3% in 2027, gross domestic product growth forecast at 5.5%-6.5%, and interest rates set for another 25-basis-point (bp) reduction. The BSP on Dec. 11 delivered a fifth straight 25-bp reduction in benchmark interest rates, bringing the policy rate to an over three-year low of 4.5%. It has lowered borrowing costs by a total of 200 bps since its rate cut cycle began in August 2024. “Starting this year, we will see a lot of the renewable energy projects coming online. That should have a positive impact on energy costs overall,” Mr. Ocampo said, citing the ongoing shift toward non-fossil fuel energy. Regulatory reforms are also expected to provide a boost to the market. Recent changes to real estate investment trusts (REITs) rules expand eligible income-generating assets beyond traditional offices and malls to include tollways, water systems, data centers, telecom towers, and other infrastructure, the ICCP noted. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has also extended reinvestment deadlines and strengthened disclosure and governance requirements. The Philippines currently has eight listed REITs covering offices, hotels, malls, land, renewable energy, and infrastructure segments, including AREIT, Inc., DDMP REIT, Inc., Filinvest REIT Corp., RL Commercial REIT, Inc., MREIT, Inc., VistaREIT, Inc., Citicore Energy REIT Corp., and Premier Island Power REIT Corp. In addition to REITs, ICCP is monitoring potential initial public offerings (IPOs) this year. The PSE is targeting four potential listings this year, doubling last year’s two IPOs. Companies that are eyeing going public, according to the exchange, include electronic wallet platform GCash and PNB Holdings Corp.’s planned listing by way of introduction. On Tuesday, the PSEi went down by 1.31% or 84.92 points to close at 6,352.86, while the all shares index declined by 1.02% or 37.39 points to finish at 3,606.81. — A.G.C. Magno
|
https://www.bworldonline.com/corporate/2026/01/21/725441/psei-may-approach-7000-in-2026-on-supportive-macro-regulatory-factors-iccp/
|
Business & Finance
| |
f784b1452ccdf4881c9b1f90448c3d9e4bd9c2886651e0a508895734b2593b87
|
2026-01-20T16:07:30+00:00
|
Art as ‘pure intention’ at the Singapore Biennale
|
1 of 2 TAN PIN PIN’S On a Clear Day You Can See Forever juxtaposes footage of Inuka, Singapore’s first polar bear born in captivity, and the city’s relentless drive toward efficiency. — LITO B. ZULUETA EISA JOCSON'S The Filipino Superwoman X H.O.M.E. Karaoke Living Room. Image courtesy of Singapore Art Museum. From museum halls to Lucky Plaza, art unfolds where lives are actually lived. By Lito B. Zulueta RUNNING since Oct. 31, 2025 until March 29 this year, the 8th edition of the Singapore Biennale coincidentally becomes part of Singapore Art Week on Jan. 22-31, unfolding across the city with a quiet but firm confidence. Commissioned by the National Arts Council and organized by the Singapore Art Museum (SAM), the Biennale marks Singapore’s 60th year as a nation while reaffirming its status as a major platform for contemporary art in Southeast Asia. With the theme, “Pure Intention,” the biennale extends across five key locations — the Civic District, Wessex Estate, Tanglin Halt, Orchard Road, and SAM at Tanjong Pagar Distripark — transforming both familiar and overlooked spaces into sites of reflection, encounter, and critique. The theme “pure intention” resists spectacle for spectacle’s sake. According to the curatorial team (Duncan Bass, Hsu Fang-Tze, Ong Puay Khim, and Selene Yap), the Biennale asks how art can help people see the city anew by engaging deeply with space, history, identity, and transformation. Rather than presenting grand gestures, the exhibition privileges embeddedness: art situated within lived environments, attentive to everyday rhythms, and responsive to social realities. SAM Director Eugene Tan explained that when art is woven into the environment, it allows audiences to imagine possible futures collectively, grounded in the city’s layered past. ORCHARD ROAD Nowhere is this more palpable than along Orchard Road, Singapore’s iconic shopping belt. At Lucky Plaza, Filipino artist Eisa Jocson presents The Filipino Superwoman X H.O.M.E. Karaoke Living Room, an installation developed in collaboration with Filipino domestic workers. Transforming a shop unit into a familiar Filipino living room, the work invites visitors to sing karaoke to newly produced videos that foreground resilience, humor, and collectivity. The choice of Lucky Plaza is crucial: on Sundays, it becomes the principal social hub for Filipina domestics on their day off, making Jocson’s work inseparable from the lived realities of care, labor, and migration. Jocson’s background as a choreographer, dancer, and visual artist deeply informs this project. Known for works such as “Death of the Pole Dancer,” “Macho Dancer,” and “Host,” Jocson interrogates how bodies — especially Filipino bodies — are disciplined, commodified, and mobilized within global economies of entertainment and service. Her Lucky Plaza installation resonates her “Happyland” series, particularly Princess (2017), which exposed Filipino labor through a Disneyland performance. Both works show how joy, hospitality, and performance are demanded forms of labor, masking structural inequities beneath smiles and spectacle. Nearby, in another mall unit, Singaporean filmmaker Tan Pin Pin’s installation juxtaposes two moving images: footage of Inuka, Singapore’s first polar bear born in captivity, swimming endlessly within an artificial Arctic enclosure; and 80km/h, a work updated annually using dashcam footage that maps the city’s relentless drive toward efficiency. Together, they stage a tension between the biological and the engineered, between cyclical life and bureaucratic speed, suggesting that progress is neither seamless nor innocent. SAM AT TANJONG PAGAR From Orchard Road, the Biennale’s contemplative arc leads to SAM at Tanjong Pagar Distripark. Here, history, technology, memory, and desire intersect across multiple galleries. At the entrance, CAMP’s Metabolic Container transforms a shipping container into a living archive of trade, filled with everyday goods moving weekly between Singapore and Batam, Indonesia nearby. Inside, Paul Chan’s Khara En Tria (Joyer in 3) animates the foyer with brightly colored figures that sway and inflate, reimagining classical ideas of the body through movement and air. Gallery 1 brings together works that unsettle linear narratives of progress. Pierre Huyghe’s Offspring uses AI to orchestrate light, smoke, and sound in response to environmental changes and visitor presence, creating an ever-shifting ecosystem. Álvaro Urbano’s metallic plants evoke orchid diplomacy and plantation histories, while Cui Jie’s Thermal Landscapes paints watchtowers as surreal monuments to modernist aspiration. Ju Young Kim’s hybrid sculptural forms merge aircraft components with Art Nouveau glass, reflecting on desire and displacement in an age of mobility. LOST CULTURAL SPACES Among these, Ming Wong’s Filem-Filem-Filem stands out for its quiet poignancy. Composed of digitally manipulated photographs presented in Polaroid form, the series documents abandoned and repurposed cinemas across Singapore and Malaysia. Hyperreal yet deeply nostalgic, the images capture the faded grandeur of cinema architecture, evoking a collective memory of film-going as communal ritual. In a Biennale concerned with intention and continuity, Wong’s work gently mourns cultural spaces lost to redevelopment while affirming their lingering emotional power. Overall, the Singapore Biennale’s 8th edition confirms its role as a sensitive barometer of contemporary art in Southeast Asia. If pure intention is measured by consistency — by sustained commitment rather than fleeting spectacle — then the SG Biennale demonstrates it through careful curatorship, site-responsive works, and ethical attentiveness.
|
https://www.bworldonline.com/arts-and-leisure/2026/01/21/725339/art-as-pure-intention-at-the-singapore-biennale/
|
Business & Finance
| |
a031ebba8ebc97dbad4c4637c9391b393592577d15bd8079dfda2ec829575cde
|
2026-01-20T16:07:16+00:00
|
Hotel101 to build 766-room condotel in Melbourne as part of global expansion
|
HOTEL101 GLOBAL HOLDINGS Corp., the Nasdaq-listed hospitality arm of DoubleDragon Corp., is expanding its overseas presence with a 766-room condotel project in Melbourne, Australia, which will be the largest hotel in the city by room count. In a statement on Tuesday, the company said it signed definitive agreements to develop the condotel, which is slated for completion in 2029. Hotel101-Melbourne, located in the city’s central business district (CBD), is projected to generate A$323.6 million (around P12.6 billion) in total sales revenue once fully sold. The property is near landmarks such as Federation Square, Flinders Street Station, the Yarra River, and the Southbank entertainment precinct. “This strategic site positions the property as an ideal hub for leisure and business travelers seeking seamless access to Melbourne’s cultural, commercial, and sporting hubs and will complement the existing premium hotel offerings in the CBD,” the company said. The condotel will offer four-star amenities at affordable rates, including meeting spaces, a conference center, modern rooms, 24/7 reception, all-day dining, swimming pool, gym, business center, kids’ pool, rooftop bar, parking, and luggage storage, in line with Hotel101’s global offerings. The development is subject to standard approvals from national, regional, and municipal regulators, the company noted. Hotel101 currently operates nine properties in the Philippines and is developing projects in Hokkaido, Madrid, and Los Angeles. In November, the company signed a joint venture to build a 429-room condotel on a 1.4-hectare site in San Donato Milanese, marking its second European project amid accelerated international expansion. In May, Hotel101 also signed an agreement with Saudi Arabia’s Horizon Group to develop 10 hotels in the kingdom. The Melbourne project is part of Hotel101’s plan to establish a presence in 25 countries over the next three years, with a long-term goal of operating one million rooms across 100 markets. DoubleDragon remains the only Philippine company with a unit listed on Nasdaq. Hotel101 Global had a market capitalization of about $2.34 billion (P139 billion) as of Jan. 16. At the local bourse on Tuesday, DoubleDragon shares rose 2.91% to P9.55 apiece. — Alexandria Grace C. Magno
|
https://www.bworldonline.com/corporate/2026/01/21/725440/hotel101-to-build-766-room-condotel-in-melbourne-as-part-of-global-expansion/
|
Business & Finance
| |
38023c1a32cdc0a524f43752c22009a5db7b8741d4a0cfd96429be0c0b3dc36d
|
2026-01-20T16:06:30+00:00
|
Masters on display at Galleria Duemila
|
1 of 2 BRONTË H. LACSAMANA BRONTË H. LACSAMANA FOR THE PAST 50 years, Galleria Duemila has been shaping the contemporary art scene by nurturing deep friendships with Filipino artists through exhibits and gatherings. Silvana Ancellotti-Diaz founded the gallery on Dec. 5, 1975, out of sheer curiosity to meet artists and an eventual drive to celebrate contemporary art in the Philippines. Through the intervening years, Galleria Duemila has worked with hundreds of artists, mounted around 600 exhibitions (holding monthly shows throughout its 50 years), and housed thousands of artworks. As part of its 50th anniversary celebration, the gallery has mounted an exhibit called AVANTI, SEMPRE AVANTI / FORWARD, ALWAYS FORWARD which is ongoing until March 14. It is a masters collection, featuring 37 artists that represent symbiotic relationships that blossomed into life-long friendships with Ms. Ancellotti-Diaz. “There is a responsibility to treasure what we have. For me, it is really important that you put together everything like this. If you don’t give importance to it, it disappears,” she said at the exhibit preview on Jan. 10. The exhibit showcases a range of paintings, mixed media, works on paper, and sculptures that have never or rarely been seen by recent generations of artists, collectors, arts appreciators, art students, and educators. The featured artists include Leopoldo Aguinaldo II, Ray Albano, Augusto Albor, Nunelucio Alvarado, Agnes Arellano, Santiago Bose, Benedicto “Bencab” Cabrera, Eduardo Castrillo, Roberto Chabet, Charlie Co, Ramon Manuel De Leon, Duddley Diaz, Lamberto Hechanova, Jose Joya, Lao Lianben, Raul Lebajo, Cesar Legaspi, Arturo Luz, Jerry Elizalde Navarro, Justin Nuyda, Hernando R. Ocampo, Manuel Ocampo, Romulo Olazo, Onib Olmedo, Imelda Pilapil, Mauro “Malang” Santos, Solomon Saprid, Nestor Vinluan, and Betsy Westendorp. STORIES Ms. Ancellotti-Diaz toured the media around during the preview, her razor-sharp memory allowing her to explain the context behind each work’s importance. She could point out how a seascape by the late National Artist Cesar Legaspi reflects his own unique approach to cubism; detail how rare paintings by another National Artist, Federico Aguilar Alcuaz, and Juvenal Sanso were inspired by their time abroad; and discuss how works by many women artists represent tumultuous points in their lives, such as Julie Lluch’s Cactus sculptures and Phyllis Zaballero’s painting Sea Horizon I. She fondly selected each of the pieces alongside the exhibit’s curator Angel Velasco-Shaw, who recalled how the process was “extremely difficult given the thousands of artworks we could choose from.” Some works are there because of how integral they were to the start of Ms. Ancellotti-Diaz’s journey in the arts. Her sister-in-law Isabel Diaz’s work Anxiety of Motherhood represents the very first exhibit she organized in the country, with the Miladay Art Center. A sculpture by Lebanese artist May Baddour comes from the very first exhibit that Galleria Duemila mounted in 1976. “My father-in-law, who’s a businessman, who gave me the P20,000 to put up a gallery, told me that this is the worst investment he’d ever done in his life!” she recalled. Today, Galleria Duemila is the oldest running commercial art gallery in the Philippines. Another piece in the exhibit that she’s proud of is Pacita Abad’s Rolling Stones, an important work that was part of the artist’s last exhibition with the Cultural Center of the Philippines, before she succumbed to cancer in 2004. Ms. Ancellotti-Diaz also pointed out Luis “Junyee” Yee, Jr.’s Cosmic Snake, as proof of how he was capable of making “unbelievable installations” that she hopes will one day land him recognition as a National Artist. A HISTORY The artworks on view span from 1957 to 2018, culled from Galleria Duemila’s vast collection and archival treasure trove. They are a small sampling of works from the Philippine modern art scene. One corner in the gallery has documentation of old exhibitions and events, which is an integral part of their thrust to “protect the transmission of knowledge.” Walkthroughs and panel discussions featuring writers and artists will be scheduled from January to March. They will be open to the public, with details to be announced online. “Silvana is an important figure who was able to bring Philippine art out into the world. She is proof of the importance of patronage, of how we need to grow art from the ground up, by giving it the support that it needs,” said curator Ms. Velasco-Shaw. As for how Galleria Duemila has become an important institution in an evolving contemporary art scene, Ms. Ancellotti-Diaz explained that she never expected such success. In the 1970s, her only goal was to widen her network, which she did by attending exhibitions, joining conferences and workshops, and becoming acquainted with members of the Saturday Group of artists. “As a foreigner, an outsider, my priority was to get to know the artists, their works, their vision, what brought them to paint. I learned the ropes,” she said. Ms. Velasco-Shaw added that “the language of art is in the heart,” seen in how the lines between insider and outsider can blur as people pursue avenues of exchange and patronage. A BOOK In the pipeline is a book chronicling Galleria Duemila’s journey and Ms. Ancellotti-Diaz’s contributions to the art scene. It will include insights from different art writers, like Cid Reyes, Patrick Flores, and Eileen Legaspi Ramirez. “The idea of the book is to create something for the past, present, and future. Silvana is a very strong advocate for the relationship between art, culture, and education, to create a greater appreciation of the arts for everyone,” she said. In the meantime, the exhibit AVANTI, SEMPRE AVANTI / FORWARD, ALWAYS FORWARD is on view at Galleria Duemila, located at 210 Loring St., Pasay City. — Brontë H. Lacsamana
|
https://www.bworldonline.com/arts-and-leisure/2026/01/21/725338/masters-on-display-at-galleria-duemila/
|
Business & Finance
| |
dd078f8c275ad59b4d328798bf8b3324e5cbe7d753fb3546ce6fa26e625bf039
|
2026-01-20T16:06:16+00:00
|
Airline fuel surcharge stays steady for February
|
THE Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) said the passenger fuel surcharge will remain at Level 4 for February, keeping charges steady for the seventh consecutive month. At Level 4, the surcharge will range from P117 to P342 for domestic flights and from P385.70 to P2,867.82 for international flights originating from the Philippines. The surcharge has been at this level since August last year, CAB data showed. For Feb. 1-28, airlines collecting the fuel surcharge in foreign currency may use the applicable rate of P58.94 per dollar, the CAB said. Fuel surcharges are adjusted based on movements in jet fuel prices using the Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS) benchmark. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), jet fuel prices rose 3.5% to $89.63 per barrel for the week ending Jan. 16, while on a year-on-year basis, prices declined by 0.4%. IATA said airlines in Asia are likely to sustain growth this year, supported by strong demand in both passenger and cargo segments and by declining jet fuel costs, which account for the majority of airline operating expenses. Fuel costs are projected to fall to $252 billion in 2026, largely due to expected declines in crude oil prices. — Ashley Erika O. Jose
|
https://www.bworldonline.com/corporate/2026/01/21/725439/airline-fuel-surcharge-stays-steady-for-february/
|
Business & Finance
| |
7ca0f159680443269ea8531ff9c9d19d596372acc596058e11310ce7b3056b0e
|
2026-01-20T16:05:16+00:00
|
Tiered public float rules among key SEC reforms due by mid-February
|
THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) plans to issue at least eight memorandum circulars this month, with the long-awaited tiered minimum public float rules for stock exchange listings targeted by mid-February. “At the very least, [we will be releasing] two more. So maybe, eight or nine [memorandum circulars] for January,” SEC Chairperson Francisco Ed. Lim told reporters on the sidelines of the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) Inaugural Meeting 2026 on Monday. Since the start of the year, the SEC has already released three circulars through its eAmend portal. These cover amendments to real estate investment trust (REIT) rules, the extension of discounted filing fees for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and measures to simplify corporate amendment processes. Meanwhile, the proposed tiered minimum public float framework is designed to tailor stock exchange listing requirements to company size while maintaining market liquidity, investor protection, and capital formation. Under the draft rules, companies planning to list on an exchange would be assigned to one of five tiers based on their expected market capitalization at listing. Companies in Tier I, with a market value of up to P500 million, would be required to maintain an initial public float of 33%. Tier II companies, valued between P500 million and P1 billion, would need at least 25% public float, but not less than P165 million in shares. Tier III companies with market values from P1 billion to P50 billion would maintain a minimum of 20% public float worth at least P250 million. For Tier IV companies, with market values between P50 billion and P150 billion, the requirement would be 15% public float valued at no less than P10 billion, while Tier V companies valued above P150 billion would be required to maintain at least 12% public float, worth a minimum of P22.5 billion. After listing, companies would be required to maintain minimum public ownership aligned with their initial public offering tier: 20% for Tiers I to III, 15% for Tier IV, and 12% for Tier V. “The tiered approach addresses the limitations of the current 20% minimum public ownership rule, which does not account for differences in company size,” Mr. Lim said. The January circulars are also part of the SEC’s broader initiative to improve efficiency and predictability in corporate filings. Measures include digital processing of amendments, classification of filings into simple or regular categories, and standardized forms to reduce processing time. Simple amendments are expected to be completed within seven working days, while more complex filings may take up to 21 days. In his recent speech at the “Big Bold Reforms: the Philippines 2026” event, Mr. Lim said that the SEC is working to strengthen rules, processes, and fairness to ensure faster, more certain operations while maintaining market integrity. “External and internal issues will arise in any economy. But what sustains confidence is how firmly institutions respond — by enforcing standards and making accountability real,” he said. — Alexandria Grace C. Magno
|
https://www.bworldonline.com/corporate/2026/01/21/725438/tiered-public-float-rules-among-key-sec-reforms-due-by-mid-february/
|
Business & Finance
| |
55ce1a393c4be68b848e4a541d0ee255c0218d3b9b6d8c283aa7977f049f3c17
|
2026-01-20T16:04:37+00:00
|
Reissued 20-year bonds fetch higher rates on tepid demand
|
THE GOVERNMENT made a full award of the Treasury bonds (T-bonds) it offered on Tuesday at higher rates amid weak market appetite for longer tenors. The Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) borrowed P30 billion as planned via the reissued 20-year bonds, with total bids reaching P41.506 billion. This brought the outstanding volume for the bond series to P157.3 billion, the Treasury said in a statement. The reissued bonds, which have a remaining life of seven years and two months, were awarded at an average rate of 5.934%. Accepted yields ranged from 5.88% to 5.98%. The average rate of the reissued 20-year papers was 174.7 basis points (bps) higher than the 4.187% fetched for the series’ last award on June 29, 2021 and was likewise 230.9 bps above the 3.625% coupon for the issue. This was also 2.6 bps above the 5.908% quoted for the seven-year debt — the benchmark tenor closest to the remaining life of the issue — but 1.5 bps lower than the 5.949% fetched for the same bond series at the secondary market before Tuesday’s auction, based on the PHP Bloomberg Valuation Service Reference Rates data provided by the BTr. “The auction was uninspiring, with awards clearing toward the upper end of the expected yield range,” a trader said in a text message. “The immediate market reaction was a sell-off in the secondary market, as some participants had positioned for partial bid rejections at higher yield levels given strong demand seen for other tenors as well as the announcement of dollar bond issuance.” The BTr has seen robust demand for its recent offerings of government securities, especially those with shorter maturities. Last week, it made a full P30-billion award of its offering of reissued seven-year bonds with a remaining life of five years and four days and even opened its tap facility, raising another P10 billion. It has also upsized its recent Treasury bill (T-bill) awards to take advantage of the strong appetite shown by the market. Meanwhile, the Philippines on Tuesday launched a triple-tranche offering of US dollar-denominated bonds, marking its first offshore issuance for the year. The government is looking at a benchmark size issue for each of the 5.5-, 10-, and 25-year notes it was offering, National Treasurer Sharon P. Almanza said in a Viber message. Benchmark-sized issues are typically worth at least $500 million. Initial pricing guidance was at 70 bps above the comparable benchmark US Treasury yield for the 5.5-year tranche, T+100 bps for the 10-year tenor, and at the 5.9% area for the 25-year debt. The notes were expected to be priced during the New York trading session overnight. The reissued 20-year bonds fetched higher yields as players are hesitant to lock in their cash in long-term instruments amid lingering market risks, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort added in a Viber message. These risks include a weakening peso that could stoke domestic inflation in the coming months, uncertainty over the US Federal Reserve’s policy path amid an upcoming leadership change, and geopolitical concerns overseas, he said. The BTr wants to raise P180 billion from the domestic market this month, or P110 billion via T-bills and P70 billion through T-bonds. The government borrows from local and foreign sources to help fund its budget deficit, which is capped at P1.647 trillion or 5.3% of gross domestic product this year. — Aaron Michael C. Sy
|
https://www.bworldonline.com/banking-finance/2026/01/21/725416/reissued-20-year-bonds-fetch-higher-rates-on-tepid-demand/
|
Business & Finance
| |
0eb5b499235f74585e6eb6ae205da06a5e3ceb30131bcca6efbf7d676933bf1f
|
2026-01-20T16:04:29+00:00
|
Arts & Culture (01/21/26)
|
1 of 6 Sheila Osmeña-Go exhibits with Galerie Joaquin THE exhibition A Symphony of Corals by Sheila Osmeña-Go marks her first with Galerie Joaquin. It is a visual meditation on harmony, resilience, and interconnected life, drawing inspiration from coral ecosystems. The exhibit is ongoing until Jan. 23 at Galerie Joaquin’s space in the Atrium of Opus Mall. DF Art Agency mounts 15th anniversary exhibit DF ART Agency marks its 15th anniversary with Grateful Horizons, a group exhibition taking place at Leon Gallery International, Corinthian Plaza along Paseo de Roxas in Legazpi Village, Makati City. The show brings together works by 33 artists across generations, reflecting on the relationships and shared histories that have shaped the agency’s practice. Artists include Briccio Santos, Demi Padua, Miller Laberinto, and Tita Halaman. It runs until Feb. 2. Gus Albor exhibits at Alliance Française THE exhibit Aurae II by Gus Albor will open at the Alliance Française de Manille Gallery on Jan. 22. With a vernissage scheduled at 6:30 p.m., it will showcase Mr. Albor’s body of work that explores minimal abstraction as a distillation of form, color, and conviction. The opening is in partnership with fine dining restaurant Bocca. The exhibition runs until Feb. 21. Raymond Lauchengco holds live book reading THE activity series of Navitas Haus titled “Of Stories and Art” continues with singer Raymond Lauchengco, who will have a book reading at the venue. It will feature his book, Dance with the Wind, which he will read live and discuss with participants afterwards. Copies will be available for sale at the event. Open to the public from ages seven and up, there will be craft activities available for kids and coffee and food for teens and adults. Admission to the book reading is free. It takes place on Jan. 31, 1 p.m., at Navitas Haus, 6218 Manalac St., Poblacion, Makati. Orchestra of the Filipino Youth opens concert season THE Orchestra of the Filipino Youth (OFY) is opening its 2026 concert season with ELEVATE: Triumphs of Tchaikovsky on Feb. 1 at the Proscenium Theater, Rockwell, Makati. The young classical musicians will perform under the baton of Gerard Salonga. It will feature Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, performed by rising OFY violinist Gavril Tiburcio. Tickets are available by messaging Ang Misyon on social media. CCP Pasinaya returns with new component, venues NOW on its 20th year, the CCP Pasinaya: The Open House Festival is ushering in this year’s National Arts Month with new components and venue partners. Slated for Feb. 7 and 8, it expands to an additional regional venue in Roxas City, Capiz, and adds Rizal Park in Luneta, Manila as a new venue partner, as well as Calle Wright as a new part of the Paseo Museo tour. The components for the two-day festival are: Palihan, a workshop-all-you-can experience offering hands-on art exploration and learning; Palabas, featuring performances by 169 participating performing arts groups; the Paseo Museo hop-on, hop-off curatorial tours across 17 museums and galleries in Metro Manila; a business-to-business platform for embassies and arts programmers titled Palitan; the Pamilihan marketplace with food stalls, artisanal treats, and handcrafted goods; and a new component called Paligsahan, which spans competitions like cosplay, TikTok, photography, mobile games, and short filmmaking. The CCP Pasinaya embraces a “workshop-all-you-can, watch-all-you-can, and pay-what-you-can” approach. Registration is available online through the official CCP Facebook page.
|
https://www.bworldonline.com/arts-and-leisure/2026/01/21/725336/arts-culture-01-21-26/
|
Business & Finance
| |
015aee064c6072634739cb236d4370adbf773ea09830e62c0b5a8fce2884e6cd
|
2026-01-20T16:04:15+00:00
|
CREC targets 3-GW renewable portfolio by yearend
|
SAAVEDRA-LED Citicore Renewable Energy Corp. (CREC) is diversifying its renewable energy (RE) portfolio with the development of onshore wind farms totaling nearly 200 megawatts (MW). CREC President and Chief Executive Officer Oliver Y. Tan told reporters last week that the company aims to complete a 45-MW wind power project in Camarines Sur by next year. Its 152-MW wind farm in Iloilo is expected to be finished within the next three years. The wind projects are being developed in partnership with Singapore-based Levanta Renewables, a collaboration established in 2024. Together, CREC and Levanta are developing four onshore wind projects across Luzon and Visayas with a combined capacity of 375 MW. These projects secured offtake agreements through the Department of Energy’s green energy auction program in 2023. CREC has doubled its capital expenditure budget for 2026 to around $2 billion to support the rollout of 1.2 gigawatts (GW) of solar power projects. The company, directly and through its subsidiaries and joint ventures, manages a diversified portfolio spanning renewable energy generation, power project development, and retail electricity supply. It currently operates solar facilities in the Philippines with a combined gross installed capacity exceeding 500 MW. CREC aims to scale its portfolio to around 5 GW by 2028 and is targeting a 3-GW capacity by the end of this year. At the local bourse on Tuesday, CREC shares closed unchanged at P4.45 apiece. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera
|
https://www.bworldonline.com/corporate/2026/01/21/725437/crec-targets-3-gw-renewable-portfolio-by-yearend/
|
Business & Finance
| |
267092068a51e6e3a38c865f8815bdb899b9f452091070fec29fbe5f1d271e2b
|
2026-01-20T16:04:12+00:00
|
Civic mindedness is a must to fight corruption: Lessons from Japan
|
|
https://www.bworldonline.com/opinion/2026/01/21/725371/civic-mindedness-is-a-must-to-fight-corruption-lessons-from-japan/
|
Business & Finance
| |
64e253c8463202fa3674794784968151d2045d0a7831028b7d956ff70fe4d3b4
|
2026-01-20T16:03:36+00:00
|
LANDBANK plans to open 15 new branches, branch-lite units this year
|
LAND BANK of the Philippines (LANDBANK) is planning to open 15 branches and branch-lite units nationwide this year as it looks to make financial services available to more Filipinos. “By expanding our touchpoints, LANDBANK continues to ensure that financial services remain accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the evolving needs of our clients — especially in the countryside. These new facilities reflect our sustained commitment to empower local economies and support national development,” LANDBANK President and Chief Executive Officer Lynette V. Ortiz said in a statement on Tuesday. The bank ended 2025 with 615 branches and branch-lite units, as well as 3,268 automated teller machines (ATMs), 3,882 ATMs in partner 7-Eleven convenient stores, and 236 cash deposit machines. It also has 1,001 LANDBANKasama Partners, which include client cooperatives, associations, rural banks, local government units, and small enterprises tapped by the state-run lender to provide basic banking services like cash withdrawals, deposit, fund transfers, bills payment, and balance inquiry. In December, LANDBANK opened a new corporate center in Isabela and five branches and branch-lites to expand its footprint across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The bank’s corporate centers serve as a one-stop shop for clients. Meanwhile, its new branches and branch-lite units are equipped to deliver a “phygital” or physical and digital user experience in line with LANDBANK’s digitalization intiaitvies. “Through its expanding network, LANDBANK continues to support government programs, including social protection disbursements, salary loans for employees, and credit assistance for priority sectors, contributing to inclusive growth and countryside development,” the state-run bank said. LANDBANK’s net income climbed by 41.79% year on year to P35.64 billion in the first nine months of 2025. — A.M.C. Sy
|
https://www.bworldonline.com/banking-finance/2026/01/21/725415/landbank-plans-to-open-15-new-branches-branch-lite-units-this-year/
|
Business & Finance
| |
437010c79ebc3c814b41adb832e184c92e834dd669fed0e38a3d26e65587c371
|
2026-01-20T16:03:21+00:00
|
IdeaSpace Ventures sees brighter outlook for Philippine startups in 2026
|
By Beatriz Marie D. Cruz, Reporter IDEASPACE Ventures, the startup accelerator arm of the MVP Group, said 2026 is shaping up to be a strong year for Philippine startups, as local founders show greater maturity even as competition from foreign firms intensifies. “The future of the Philippine startup scene has never looked brighter, and 2026 is shaping up to be a coming-of-age year,” IdeaSpace Executive Director Alwyn Joy E. Rosel said in an e-mailed reply to questions. She said local startups have moved beyond copying business models from Silicon Valley and other overseas hubs, with more founders building companies that address domestic needs and contribute to national development. “Filipino founders have really matured,” Ms. Rosel said. “They are not just pitching dreams; they are coming to us with real businesses that already have paying customers or pilot tests with companies.” She added that startup activity is gaining traction outside Metro Manila, with growth seen in cities such as Iloilo, Davao and Cagayan de Oro, reflecting broader access to talent and markets. Demand this year is expected to favor startups offering business-to-business and digital services, as companies seek to automate inventory management, payments and logistics, Ms. Rosel said. Financial technology is also seen as a growth area, including digital wallets, microinsurance, remittances and person-to-government payments. Climate technology and renewable energy startups might also see rising demand as extreme weather events heighten the need for resilience and sustainable solutions, she added. Despite the positive outlook, Ms. Rosel said Philippine startups continue to face challenges, particularly in funding and talent, as global companies compete for skilled workers and capital. To attract investors, she said founders need to show a clear path to profitability, while talent retention increasingly depends on company culture and purpose, not just pay. “It is not just about salary anymore, but about building a great company culture and offering people a chance to solve real, meaningful Filipino problems that global firms often do not touch,” she said. IdeaSpace runs a Startup Accelerator Program that provides mentorship, training and access to industry networks. Six startups graduated from its 13th cohort, including KaHero Apps, Inc., Soolok Properties Inc., Xure, DashoContent, Cloverly.tech and Polka Motors. For its next cohort, IdeaSpace would remain sector-agnostic and would not set a fixed number of participants, Ms. Rosel said. “While we typically see an average of about six startups per cohort, the final number depends on the quality of the applications and how well we feel we can support them,” she said. IdeaSpace is also working with a local university to help turn student projects and academic research into viable ventures. It is strengthening partnerships in the Philippines and overseas to support startup growth in the provinces. “We want to make sure that a founder in the Visayas or Mindanao has the same access to resources as someone in Makati,” Ms. Rosel said. Established in 2012, IdeaSpace is backed by First Pacific Co. Ltd., Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC), PLDT Inc., Smart Communications, Inc., Manila Electric Co. and Maynilad Water Services, Inc. MPIC is one of the three key Philippine units of First Pacific, the others being Philex Mining Corp. and PLDT. Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of the PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest, has a majority stake in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls.
|
https://www.bworldonline.com/bw-launchpad/2026/01/21/725384/ideaspace-ventures-sees-brighter-outlook-for-philippine-startups-in-2026/
|
Business & Finance
| |
af2657b768163d0fd033dde44ba28de97226934a50f6ae2f439ecaa91a6ffe12
|
2026-01-20T16:03:15+00:00
|
Emirates to add four weekly Manila-Dubai flights from April
|
DUBAI-BASED carrier Emirates will expand its Manila-Dubai services with four additional weekly flights starting April 2. The new flights, scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, will raise Emirates’ Manila-Dubai weekly services to 32 from the current 28, it said in a statement on Tuesday. These will be operated using the Boeing 777-300ER, which can carry up to 20 tonnes of cargo, eight first-class private suites, 42 lie-flat business-class seats, and 304 economy seats. “With the expansion, Emirates now offers more options and improved connectivity to travelers, including a large number of Filipinos across our global network,” the airline said. The additional flights will also shorten connections to and from Canada, the United States, Milan, London, Budapest, and Athens via Dubai. Emirates said the extra frequencies will increase cargo capacity, supporting imports and exports, particularly in light of the recently signed comprehensive economic partnership agreement (CEPA) between the United Arab Emirates and the Philippines. Currently, Emirates offers up to 22,700 weekly seats between Manila and Dubai with 28 weekly flights. The airline also maintains a partnership with Philippine Airlines (PAL), extending its domestic connectivity to Manila, Cebu, and Clark. Last year, Emirates said it was exploring further expansion of its partnership with PAL to serve more passengers and enhance cargo operations. — Ashley Erika O. Jose
|
https://www.bworldonline.com/corporate/2026/01/21/725436/emirates-to-add-four-weekly-manila-dubai-flights-from-april/
|
Business & Finance
| |
676e692cc4a30d5705ec5d06deaeb1ad24a48fae9de681cdbec80a1d881ff0b9
|
2026-01-20T16:03:11+00:00
|
Governance over politics: Transcending political timelines
|
|
https://www.bworldonline.com/opinion/2026/01/21/725370/governance-over-politics-transcending-political-timelines/
|
Business & Finance
| |
a5be6c8c2f5164c5de0f8a76dee06c9b6e4eda41b6fa97f47f44a0f723eb6ba8
|
2026-01-20T16:02:53+00:00
|
BDO sells controlling stake in DHI
|
BDO UNIBANK, Inc. (BDO) is selling its controlling stake in its listed investment holding company Dominion Holdings, Inc. (DHI) for P2.54 billion. The bank on Jan. 19 signed a share purchase agreement with Monte Sur Equity Holdings, Inc. to sell 1,513,732,718 shares or 70% of DHI at P1.68 per share, it said in a disclosure to the stock exchange on Tuesday. Following the sale, DHI will no longer be a subsidiary of BDO. “The disposition of DHI is aligned with BDO Group’s continuing policy of streamlining its organizational structure following the conversion of DHI into an investment holding company,” the bank said. On Tuesday, DHI requested a voluntary trading suspension that will be lifted at 9 a.m. on Jan. 21 to give investors time to consider the news. The transaction is still subject to the necessary regulatory approvals and closing conditions, which include the conduct of a mandatory tender offer by Monte Sur Equity Holdings. DHI, formerly BDO Leasing and Finance, Inc., holds or owns real estate properties, securities or shares of stocks, and other assets of companies and engages in investment and business activities involving these assets. The Securities and Exchange Commission in July 2022 approved DHI’s change of name and the shift in its purposes to that of a holding company from a leasing and financing company. DHI booked a net income of P34.81 million in the third quarter of 2025, down from P36.53 million in the prior year. This brought its nine-month profit to P106.43 million, declining from P171.01 million previously. Its shares last closed at P1.40 each on Jan. 19. Meanwhile, its parent BDO’s attributable net income rose by 6.1% year on year to P22.47 billion in the third quarter, bringing its nine-month earnings to P63.09 billion, up 4.07% from the prior year. Its shares dropped by P3.30 or 2.34% to close at P138 apiece on Tuesday. BDO ENDS BOND OFFER Meanwhile, BDO closed its public offering of sustainability bonds ahead of schedule as it saw robust demand, it said in a separate disclosure on Tuesday. “Originally set to run from Jan. 7 to 19, the bank decided to close the offer period early, on Jan. 16, following strong demand from both retail and institutional investors,” the bank said. It has yet to announce the final issue size. The bonds will be issued, settled, and listed on the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. on Jan. 26. BDO earlier said it wants to raise at least P5 billion from its offering of three-year papers that marks its fifth issuance of peso-denominated ASEAN Sustainability Bonds. The bonds carry a coupon rate of 5.7125% per annum. They were offered at a minimum investment amount of P500,000 and in additional increments of P100,000 thereafter. “The net proceeds of the issuance are intended to finance and/or refinance eligible assets as defined in the bank’s Sustainable Finance Framework, support the bank’s lending activities, and diversify the bank’s funding sources,” BDO said. Standard Chartered Bank was the sole arranger for the transaction and was also a selling agent along with BDO. BDO Capital and Investment Corp. was the financial advisor. BDO has issued a total of P286.7 billion in sustainability bonds since January 2022. It last tapped the domestic market in July last year via its fourth ASEAN Sustainability Bond issuance, raising P115 billion via 1.5-year papers, well above the initial P5-billion plan and marking the largest peso bond issuance in the country to date. — A.M.C. Sy
|
https://www.bworldonline.com/banking-finance/2026/01/21/725308/bdo-sells-controlling-stake-in-dhi/
|
Business & Finance
| |
2f1f4bd2f7df38e871cd87ff21fe34a642c03ddb3064cc25dfcb94d07cd55983
|
2026-01-20T16:02:21+00:00
|
Salesforce launches startup support program in Philippines
|
US SOFTWARE company Salesforce on Tuesday rolled out its Startup Program in the Philippines, aiming to support local tech startups by giving them access to its products, mentors and global business network. The program seeks to help Philippine startups build, test and scale technology-based products, particularly those using artificial intelligence (AI), Salesforce said in a statement. “The Philippines is a dynamic market for technology and innovation, driven by a young, skilled and tech-savvy population,” the company said. “This launch reflects Salesforce’s recognition of the country’s vibrant startup landscape.” The move comes as the Philippines continues to lag regional peers in global startup rankings. Research firm StartupBlink ranked the country 64th out of 100 economies in its 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Index, marking the fourth straight year of decline. The Philippines ranked 52nd in 2021 and slipped steadily in subsequent years. StartupBlink cited infrastructure gaps and regulatory hurdles as key challenges holding back the growth of local startups. Salesforce said its startup program is designed to help founders navigate these obstacles by offering access to AI-powered tools, mentorship, joint go-to-market opportunities, fundraising support and a startup community. “The Philippines is a vibrant hub for startups, with a growing pool of talent and a dynamic market ready for innovation,” Salesforce Philippines Regional Vice-President and Country Manager Abraham Cuevas said. “The Salesforce Startup Program arrives at a pivotal moment, enabling Philippine startups to leverage cutting-edge tools, including Agentforce and a network of experts and founders to rapidly develop, test and scale solutions,” he added. Salesforce said the initiative aligns with the government’s Innovative Startup Act 2030 roadmap, which aims to produce four Philippine unicorns by 2030 and attract $10 billion in startup investments within five years. The Startup Program was first launched in South Asia in 2021 and has since supported more than 435 startups in markets such as India and Singapore, including more than 230 companies focused on AI. Apart from startup support, Salesforce has also expanded its local presence. The company opened its Philippine office in November to support businesses adopting AI-driven customer relationship tools. Salesforce said it plans to train 12,000 Filipino workers over the next five years in artificial intelligence and customer relationship management skills, as demand grows for digital and automation solutions across industries. The company said it sees long-term potential in the Philippines as more firms adopt cloud-based platforms and AI to improve productivity, customer engagement and business efficiency. — Almira Louise S. Martinez
|
https://www.bworldonline.com/bw-launchpad/2026/01/21/725383/salesforce-launches-startup-support-program-in-philippines/
|
Business & Finance
| |
3bf39a886ae3f2a37e6fea96524249ee3b88ae27c3da426ea8a5c8aee2afe58a
|
2026-01-20T16:02:14+00:00
|
Tubig Pilipinas targets to complete 50-MLD Cebu water project this year
|
TUBIG PILIPINAS Holdings, Inc. is targeting to complete the construction of its bulk water supply project in Talisay City, Cebu, within 2026, which could deliver 50 million liters per day (MLD) to local residents. “The Tubig Pilipinas continues to expand its national footprint with the ongoing construction of the 50 MLD Jaclupan Bulk Water Supply Project in Talisay City, Cebu, that will be operational within the year,” the company said in a media release on Tuesday. The project follows the recent inauguration of a P1.5-billion water treatment plant serving Bacolod City and the municipality of Murcia, led by Tubig Pilipinas’ subsidiary Bacolod Bulk Water, Inc. The facility currently supplies about 40 MLD, roughly 40% of Bacolod City’s total water demand, and has expansion capacity of up to 60 MLD. “This project demonstrates how strong public-private partnerships and foreign investments deployed into strategic and focused water companies such as Tubig Pilipinas can deliver critical infrastructure that supports SDG (sustainable development goals),” Bacolod Bulk Water Chairman Ryan Yapkianwee said. Tubig Pilipinas now operates water plants across Nueva Ecija, Negros Occidental, Samar, Camarines Sur, Isabela, Cavite, Palawan, Pangasinan, and Cebu. In December, Coal Asia Holdings, Inc. announced plans to raise its authorized capital stock by 160% to P13 billion from P5 billion. The expansion forms part of a broader overhaul, which includes renaming Coal Asia to Tubig Pilipinas, a move designed to enable a public listing via backdoor listing. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera
|
https://www.bworldonline.com/corporate/2026/01/21/725434/tubig-pilipinas-targets-to-complete-50-mld-cebu-water-project-this-year/
|
Business & Finance
| |
7dc6112c89211e33f655c820d00fe78493c219838cfb47d0a7ac9f7e8c501ae1
|
2026-01-20T16:02:11+00:00
|
Leadership in action: How the Philippines can lead ASEAN in the digital age
|
|
https://www.bworldonline.com/opinion/2026/01/21/725369/leadership-in-action-how-the-philippines-can-lead-asean-in-the-digital-age/
|
Business & Finance
| |
67a6360539a80840f87cb22dc9a001bd03d111447a676065cbbf76939b64b80e
|
2026-01-20T16:01:36+00:00
|
Peso extends slide on trade war fears
|
THE PESO slipped against the dollar on Tuesday to move closer to its all-time low due to fresh tariff threats from the United States. The local unit closed at P59.455 versus the greenback, weakening by 1.5 centavos from its P59.44 finish on Monday, data from the Bankers Association of the Philippines data showed. This is just a tad stronger than its record-low close of P59.46 recorded on Jan. 15. The peso opened Tuesday’s trading session steady at P59.44 against the dollar. Its best showing was at P59.42, while it dropped to a low of P59.50 — a new historic intraday trough for the local currency. Dollars traded rose to $1.212 billion from $1.119 billion on Monday. “The dollar-peso closed a tad higher on risk-off sentiment amid tariff jitters due to renewed threats against Greenland, [resulting in the peso] touching the all-time high of P59.50,” a trader said in a telephone interview. The peso traded weaker against the dollar on Tuesday as players sought safer assets on concerns that US President Donald J. Trump’s tariff threats could lead to another trade war, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said in a Viber message. For Wednesday, the trader sees the peso trading between P59.30 and P59.60 per dollar, while Mr. Ricafort expects it to range from P59.35 to P59.55. The dollar retreated for a second day in Asian trading on Tuesday after threats from the White House towards the European Union over the future of Greenland triggered a broad sell-off across US stocks and government bonds, Reuters reported. The dollar index, which measures the greenback’s strength against a basket of six currencies, fell as much as 0.3% to 98.841 — reaching its lowest level since Jan. 12 — as investors worried about exposure to US markets. On Monday, US President Donald J. Trump’s renewed tariff threats against European allies triggered a repeat of the so-called “Sell America” trade that emerged after last year’s Liberation Day tariff announcement in April, with stocks, Treasury bonds and the dollar all declining. US markets will return on Tuesday following a public holiday for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. — Aaron Michael C. Sy with Reuters
|
https://www.bworldonline.com/banking-finance/2026/01/21/725413/peso-extends-slide-on-trade-war-fears/
|
Business & Finance
| |
a897dbd6d52920a479812dea982a798234caedfab1299c6e899e1f5cc91979e7
|
2026-01-20T16:01:14+00:00
|
Jollibee’s Chickenjoy earns Well-Known Mark status from IPOPHL
|
LISTED food giant Jollibee Foods Corp.’s (JFC) Chickenjoy was granted Well-Known Mark status by the Philippine Intellectual Property Office (IPOPHL) in 2025, making it the group’s third asset to receive the designation after the Jollibee Mascot and Jollibee Stacked Logo. “Chickenjoy is more than fried chicken to Filipinos. It’s part of family memories, celebrations, and everyday moments of joy,” Jollibee Philippines’ Vice-President for Marketing Dorothy Dee-Ching said in a statement on Tuesday. “We take pride in every step of its preparation because we know how much it means to our customers. Every piece carries that same flavor and happiness that people have loved for generations,” she added. In the same statement, JFC announced the launch of its “Jollibee Chickenjoy: Masterfully Made Sarap” campaign, highlighting the detailed process behind its signature fried chicken and featuring the brand’s long-time ambassador. At the local bourse on Tuesday, JFC shares slipped 1.6% to P209.40 apiece. — Alexandria Grace C. Magno
|
https://www.bworldonline.com/corporate/2026/01/21/725433/jollibees-chickenjoy-earns-well-known-mark-status-from-ipophl/
|
Business & Finance
| |
c156760cef373b6ab461cf9da2cedd07f1b7ee1f53430a3058f9fb262a3b9b40
|
2026-01-20T16:00:14+00:00
|
Philippines: balance of payments (BoP) position
|
THE PHILIPPINES’ balance of payments (BoP) deficit in 2025 settled below the central bank’s full-year forecast despite posting a wider deficit in December. Read the full story.
|
https://www.bworldonline.com/infographics/2026/01/21/725426/philippines-balance-of-payments-bop-position-21/
|
Business & Finance
| |
70f57f155b1851414dd1a2262dfb7e3f7990149b08cd6128ada11815514d0b41
|
2026-01-21T11:05:00+00:00
|
European stocks extend losses as trade war fears send jitters through markets
|
European stocks moved lower on Wednesday, as the prospect of a U.S.-Europe trade war continues to weigh on investor sentiment.
|
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/21/european-stocks-stoxx-600-ftse-dax-trump-speech-davox-wef.html
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
c165f16a996ef8824cd4691bd2a1fa26d804758c49791910dbcd26749b411547
|
2026-01-21T09:58:38+00:00
|
Treasury yields inch lower as investors monitor escalating trade tensions
|
U.S. Treasury yields declined on Wednesday, tentatively retreating from a sell-off that spurred a flight from U.S. assets on Tuesday.
|
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/21/ust-reasury-yields-trade-tensions-geopolitical-risks-in-focus.html
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
db2961f921ea19873c91622c0466fa6461220a636296b4e0394b8edd17887919
|
2026-01-19T00:03:40+00:00
|
Billionaires have ‘outsized’ political influence — and they’re richer than ever, says Oxfam
|
Billionaires' wealth has risen sharply to a record high of $18.3 trillion — with the super-rich seeking power "for their own gain," according to Oxfam.
|
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/19/billionaires-richer-than-ever-oxfam-inequality-report.html
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
ad202ce1a8a095667a83547192857530787fb2c470ddec1b7a9e0561991b5273
|
2026-01-20T03:33:43+00:00
|
No fear of 'cockroaches'? Private credit funds raise billions as investors look past warnings
|
Investor appetite for private credit remains undeterred even as warnings mount over looser documentation and rising pockets of borrower stress.
|
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/20/private-credit-warnings-dismissed-as-industry-continues-to-raise-billions.html
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
b948e1efadfe6239e62d3ab6cc2cb313f187e17aea1dd2220e78dd99eda8cafd
|
2026-01-21T07:29:47+00:00
|
CNBC Daily Open: Investors flee from the U.S. as Trump doubles down on Greenland
|
Markets on Tuesday flashed the classic signs of a "sell America" trade, as investors recoiled from escalating risks tied to Washington's foreign policy.
|
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/21/cnbc-daily-open-investors-flee-from-the-us-as-trump-doubles-down-on-greenland.html
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
888deb44075522cd4af471869d27b8665dfef20734b2c4ba8c7d037fb47d165b
|
2026-01-21T08:44:07+00:00
|
China's investment crash raises credit risks for homebuilders, banks, government: Fitch
|
China’s sharp investment downturn is amplifying credit risks across the economy, weighing on the credit profiles of homebuilders, banks and local governments.
|
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/21/chinas-investment-crash-credit-default-risks-real-estate-banks-fitch.html
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
6881a6dfff56d13659fa65ea8e5180aa19441f12b5da10aa045972162ac49eec
|
2026-01-20T05:27:12+00:00
|
Japan's snap elections: A reckless risk or calculated gamble?
|
Takaichi may be trying to capitalize on her high approval ratings to shore up the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's coalition in parliament.
|
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/20/japans-snap-elections-a-reckless-risk-or-calculated-gamble.html
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
37a8552d591771a5b80abd1ed556a432a90c2a3cb81c0ae6e176e1586e6aa1ad
|
2026-01-21T06:30:01+00:00
|
CNBC's UK Exchange newsletter: A diplomacy tightrope for Britain’s Starmer after Trump’s tirades
|
U.K. PM Keir Starmer is treading a fine line in diplomacy — and appears to be banking on Britain’s “special relationship” with the U.S. to deliver a compromise.
|
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/21/cnbcs-uk-exchange-newsletter-a-diplomacy-tightrope-for-britains-starmer-after-trumps-tirades.html
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
02918e3dab148a859e20976ecd8084104ce0c2a269124e3a8dbbd7e43e64e7a7
|
2026-01-21T01:22:33+00:00
|
CNBC Daily Open: Trump's intensifying pressure on Greenland prompts investors to 'sell America'
|
Markets on Tuesday flashed the classic signs of a "sell America" trade, as investors recoiled from escalating risks tied to Washington's foreign policy.
|
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/21/cnbc-daily-open-trumps-intensifying-pressure-on-greenland-prompts-investors-to-sell-america.html
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
8da19668a0596cccf26da5ba7290b0649b72ce92d7b9a46136ac7cb170253680
|
2026-01-20T08:56:13+00:00
|
India signs $3 billion LNG agreement with UAE, vows to double trade, as U.S. deal remains elusive
|
With this deal, "India is now UAE's largest customer for LNG" and will account for 20% of sales by 2029, ADNOC said in a release.
|
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/20/india-signs-3-billion-lng-agreement-uae-vows-double-trade-us-deal-remains-elusive.html
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
3982e018a301f765c28149683dd6e3ef6295d9c1c089df5f960ced7d725f84a4
|
2026-01-18T23:14:02+00:00
|
Why South Korean noodle companies are betting on an overseas appetite for growth
|
Higher average selling prices, the popularity of K-pop, and a tepid domestic market are pushing noodle makers to look for growth overseas.
|
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/19/south-korea-instant-noodles-ramyun-food-ramyeon-nongshim-samyang-buldak-ottogi-jin-ramen.html
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
4768319c1c59b06d1133d102144a481bf5fa5c198cab938ba6edd28729567f7e
|
2026-01-20T15:09:37+00:00
|
Macron decries 'bullies' as he urges Trump to suspend tariffs
|
"We do prefer respect to bullies ... and we do prefer rule of law to brutality," Macron said at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
|
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/20/macron-decries-bullies-as-he-urges-trump-to-suspend-tariffs.html
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
a0bd9d54946e2f9071dd6a7247ba83fc8ca00301abcffaf1b6c9cf52982c34ad
|
2026-01-20T09:21:40+00:00
|
'Act of great stupidity': Trump launches another tirade against a NATO ally. This time it's the UK
|
The White House voiced its support for the deal last year, but on Tuesday, Trump said it was "an act of great stupidity."
|
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/20/trump-uk-chagos-davos-starmer-nato.html
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
f839e762451ac3fcf5c23c6199e48c029c9a8baeb7d6753ac5ae89bf174b5d63
|
2026-01-20T14:26:08+00:00
|
AI impacting labor market ‘like a tsunami’ as layoff fears mount
|
"Anxiety about AI will go from a low hum to a loud roar this year," Deutsche Bank said as AI layoffs dominate conversations at the World Economic Forum.
|
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/20/ai-impacting-labor-market-like-a-tsunami-as-layoff-fears-mount.html
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
635081313f0899f2119f532a9405aed6565ebab5b6e3e5d4c5807866bbb3d100
|
2026-01-21T11:06:08+00:00
|
Should I buy Unilever or Magnum Ice Cream shares after the demerger?
|
How have Unilever (LSE: ULVR) shares fared since the demerger of the ice cream part of its business? The newly created Magnum Ice Cream Company (LSE: MICC) was spun out in December 2025, existing shareholders receiving one Magnum share for each five held in the consumer goods giant. The result? Business as usual, for the most part. Unilever shares are up 3% – lagging the FTSE 100, which is up 5% over the same timeframe. The Magnum Ice Cream Company (listed in Amsterdam but with secondary listings on the London Stock Exchange and in New York) is beating it handily after a recent surge – up approximately 13%. Does this signal that the demerger was a good move for the ice cream brand? Is this a golden opportunity to pick up shares in the newly formed business? Let’s explore. On the surface, Magnum Ice Cream has one of the most prized characteristics of any business – a wide economic moat. Its headline brand of Magnum is joined by other sunny day big hitters like Cornetto, Ben & Jerry’s and Walls. These are the kind of brands that many folks don’t like replacing with cheap knockoffs. Such a terrific competitive advantage would normally be enough for me to research a stock in detail. But the effects of inflation give me pause for thought. Chocolate is one of the worst culprits in the current inflation crisis (along with coffee and beef). The worsening farming yields (which many put down to climate change) combined with increasing demands in developing countries, have pushed the price of chocolate up. It’s resulted in such issues as Toffee Crisps and Blue Ribands not being labelled as chocolate anymore because the new recipes don’t have enough of the brown stuff in them. Because I see a possibility for this trend to continue, I won’t be exploring this as a stock to buy at present. How about Unilever then? The £104bn market cap group boasts many household names. Indeed, the firm builds its business around the ‘Power Brands’ – its own title for names like Dove, Hellmann’s and Vaseline, the core pillars of the company’s operations. It’s hard not to ignore the twin threats of a cost-of-living crisis and high inflation here too. As consumer wallets are getting more and more stretched, the Unilever share price has been struggling. It’s roughly level with its value five years ago while the FTSE 100 is up 51%. This suggests the pricing power of those Power Brands isn’t quite strong enough to keep shoppers from opting for supermarket own brands. It’s true that a stagnating share price can be a chance to buy on the cheap. Looking at the valuation though, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22 doesn’t exactly look like bargain territory to me. So while I accept there’s plenty of scope for a turnaround here, I’ll be focusing on the many other opportunities on the market in 2026. The post Should I buy Unilever or Magnum Ice Cream shares after the demerger? appeared first on The Motley Fool UK. When investing expert Mark Rogers has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for nearly a decade has provided thousands of paying members with top stock recommendations from the UK and US markets. And right now, Mark thinks there are 6 standout stocks that investors should consider buying. Want to see if Unilever made the list? More reading John Fieldsend has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Unilever. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.
|
https://www.fool.co.uk/2026/01/21/should-i-buy-unilever-or-magnum-ice-cream-shares-after-the-demerger/
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
c4342160c5e9b2f41d0854685f4c9f66f72e1276e8fa18037100186ebbfe6553
|
2026-01-21T10:40:11+00:00
|
My battle plan for the stock market crash
|
Many investors braced themselves for a stock market crash this week. I certainly did, after US president Donald Trump’s weekend threats over Greenland. So far the damage has been slight. That could change at any moment. Share prices can plunge without warning, often when we least expect it. Short-term ups and downs are the price investors pay for the superior long-term returns that equities tend to deliver over time. So how should we respond to short-term share price mayhem? Happily, there’s a simple way to survive market volatility. Invest for the long term, only buying shares with a minimum five-year view, and ideally longer. Nobody wants to be a forced seller during a dip, or worse, a panic seller. Long-term investors can sit tight and wait for markets to recover, which history shows they always do eventually. That brings me to the second part of my strategy. This isn’t just about survival. It’s about using a dip, correction or full-blown crash to snap up high-quality shares at temporarily reduced prices, then sitting back and waiting for the recovery. With a little nerve, investors can turn a stock market crash to their advantage. It isn’t easy though. It demands a plan. Here’s mine. First, investors must accept their limitations. Nobody can predict a stock market crash with any consistency. Those who got lucky once rarely repeat the trick. Too many variables. Anyone who refuses to invest because they’re convinced a crash is imminent risks missing out on years of dividends and growth while they wait. That’s a mistake I try to avoid. That said, it helps to keep some cash available, just in case. When bargains appear, I want money to deploy. It helps to know what to buy before panic sets in. The aim is to identify companies with steady revenues, strong management, a defensive moat against competitors and clear in-built advantages, whose shares fall simply because the wider market is selling off. Cigarette maker British American Tobacco (LSE: BATS) is a good example. A crash could offer a rare chance to consider this FTSE 100 stalwart at a knockdown price. Big Tobacco isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but British American Tobacco has an exceptional record of shareholder returns, increasing its dividend every year this millennium. Investors have got growth too. The shares are up 43% over the last year and 85% over two. That pace won’t last forever. The shares don’t look expensive today, with a price-to-earnings ratio of around 11.7. But a market sell-off would push that lower, while its 5.7% trailing dividend yield would rise as the share price fell. There are risks. Smoking rates are falling, regulation could tighten further, and growth areas such as vaping may come under scrutiny. Investors must weigh those carefully. But if the shares dropped as part of a wider dip, they’d have an even bigger margin of safety. It’s worth considering, even if markets don’t crash. If markets do tumble, I don’t expect to time the exact bottom. That’s almost impossible. Instead, I’ll buy gradually during bouts of fear, then wait for the recovery. I don’t know when the next stock market crash will come but when it does, I’m battle ready. The post My battle plan for the stock market crash appeared first on The Motley Fool UK. When investing expert Mark Rogers has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for nearly a decade has provided thousands of paying members with top stock recommendations from the UK and US markets. And right now, Mark thinks there are 6 standout stocks that investors should consider buying. Want to see if British American Tobacco p.l.c. made the list? More reading Harvey Jones has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has recommended British American Tobacco P.l.c. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.
|
https://www.fool.co.uk/2026/01/21/my-battle-plan-for-the-stock-market-crash/
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
09654b9ac2ff6ad4e0d853cd78ac479f04188d172f8e5bcca1dd090546062d90
|
2026-01-21T10:39:09+00:00
|
2 top FTSE 250 trusts I’m eyeing up for my Stocks and Shares ISA
|
The FTSE 250 is home to dozens of investment trusts that offer global growth opportunities. This makes it possible to build a globally diverse ISA portfolio without delving into the complexities of overseas listings. One that’s done really well for me recently (following three tricky years) is Pacific Horizon Investment Trust (LSE:PHI). It’s invested in growth companies across the Asia Pacific region, and last year it returned nearly 37%. In 2026, I’d like to diversify my portfolio and get more exposure to Asia. Here’s why. There are a few key reasons. Firstly, there’s China, which is just too important to be ignored. We’ve already seen Chinese firms rise rapidly in e-commerce (Temu), social media (TikTok), electric vehicles (BYD), and toys (Labubu dolls). Today, four of the 10-most downloaded apps in the US are Chinese (Temu, TikTok, CapCut, and Chinese-founded Shein). I fully expect other massive global businesses to emerge from China in areas such as semiconductors, sportswear, robotics and pharmaceuticals. China currently makes up nearly 20% of global GDP but just 3%-or-so of global stock market indices. Even a modest reallocation away from an increasingly unpredictable US over the next decade would likely boost Chinese stocks and therefore Asia-focused funds. Meanwhile, resilient economies like Vietnam are still growing strongly despite Trump’s tariffs. Indeed, in 2026, Goldman Sachs expects the MSCI Asia Pacific ex-Japan Index to generate 19% growth in earnings per share versus 12% for the S&P 500. “Investors should look for opportunities for broad geographic exposure, including an increased focus on emerging marketsâ€, the bank said. But personally, I’m not keen on buying individual Chinese stocks. Instead, I prefer Asia-focused investment trusts that offer me diversified exposure, such as the Pacific Horizon Investment Trust. As mentioned, it’s focused on growth. Its top holdings are Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and Samsung Electronics, the two foundries making most of the advanced AI chips today. Elsewhere, we have TikTok owner ByteDance and copper and lithium giant Zijin Mining Group. Currently, Pacific Horizon’s trading at an 8.4% discount to its underlying net asset value (NAV). So I’m tempted to buy more shares for my portfolio. However, I’d like to increase my Asia exposure even further, which is why Schroder Oriental Income Fund‘s (LSE:SOI) also caught my eye. As its name suggests, this one also focuses on dividend-paying firms from the region. As such, we see more mature businesses in the portfolio including Singapore Telecommunications, BOC Hong Kong Holdings, Telstra Group, and NetEase. Schroder Oriental Income has grown its dividend every year since launch in 2005, and the starting yield today is a respectable 3.4%. That said, I see concentration risk here with these two trusts. They both have TSMC as their top position with a massive 13% weighting. If the chipmaker’s shares sell off aggressively, then performance could suffer for both. I also hold TSMC shares, so this increases the risk for my own portfolio. And another sudden round of punitive tariffs on Asia from President Trump also can’t be ruled out. Schroder Oriental Income, which is trading at a 3.7% discount to NAV, reports its half-year results in February. If I still like what I read then, I plan to open a position in the trust. The post 2 top FTSE 250 trusts I’m eyeing up for my Stocks and Shares ISA appeared first on The Motley Fool UK. When investing expert Mark Rogers has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for nearly a decade has provided thousands of paying members with top stock recommendations from the UK and US markets. And right now, Mark thinks there are 6 standout stocks that investors should consider buying. Want to see if Pacific Horizon Investment Trust PLC made the list? More reading Ben McPoland has positions in Pacific Horizon Investment Trust Plc and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.
|
https://www.fool.co.uk/2026/01/21/2-top-ftse-250-trusts-im-eyeing-up-for-my-stocks-and-shares-isa/
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
76117fd63c42d143738bda304b0a4dd191259a6a726dfd7729b7d5d1660f6ed1
|
2026-01-21T10:07:00+00:00
|
What on earth’s going on with Greggs shares?
|
Greggs (LSE: GRG) shares are having an odd month. The share price was one of the FTSE 250‘s biggest losers on 8 January, falling 7% in a single day. This followed the company’s Q4 trading update with sales up yet again to over the £2bn mark. The nation’s well-loved purveyor of steak bakes and vegan sausage rolls is still growing too. Around 120 new bakeries are set to open up and down the country in the year ahead. So what seems to be the problem? The answer could lie in a curious comment from the CEO about British eating habits. Chief exec Roisin Currie described the changing tastes of Britons who frequent Greggs’ stores. The headline remark is that they’re plumping for “smaller portions” because of the effects of appetite-suppressing drugs. The firm announced a shift in the type of foods purchased too. In came healthier options including higher protein and fibre foods. Out went its more traditional offerings like pasties and cakes. It remains to be seen just how this will affect the company long-term. On the one hand, there are promising signs like a viral Tiktok campaign about selling boiled eggs in pots. Millions of views were racked up from a tagline of: “What weirdo buys boiled eggs from Greggs?” On the other hand, a Greggs that sells smaller foods and fewer pasties does not sound like a recipe for success. Perhaps the most telling sign is that while growth is still happening, it’s slowing down. That trading update revealed that profit guidance for the year ahead was downgraded. Amid the uncertainty, one detail stands out to me: Greggs shares might be on sale. The share price is down 50% from a high in 2021. Is it time to follow that age-old investing mantra of ‘buy low, sell high’? Is this a chance to invest in the baker at half price? The fall in value has turned it into a potential option for value hunters and dividend aficionados. The price-to-earnings ratio has dropped to 12. That’s well below historical values and the FTSE 250 average. It’s rare to see such a low P/E from a company that is still growing. The dividend yield has jumped to over 4% too. That could mean returns above the current interest rate from dividends alone. Forecasts suggest these could increase up to the financial year of 2026 too. All the signs seem to be point at a shift from Greggs – formerly one of the fastest-growing large UK businesses – into a mature company with little growth on the horizon. There are no guarantees either way, but this isn’t a stock I want to add to my portfolio at the moment. The post What on earth’s going on with Greggs shares? appeared first on The Motley Fool UK. When investing expert Mark Rogers has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for nearly a decade has provided thousands of paying members with top stock recommendations from the UK and US markets. And right now, Mark thinks there are 6 standout stocks that investors should consider buying. Want to see if Greggs plc made the list? More reading John Fieldsend has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Greggs Plc. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.
|
https://www.fool.co.uk/2026/01/21/what-on-earths-going-on-with-greggs-shares/
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
79b7eee16f2fd46041246de81fb0be590ddd74e02b6fc595b559c2911088cf52
|
2026-01-21T09:55:40+00:00
|
With a P/E ratio of just 7, is this the best value stock on the FTSE 100 today?
|
With a little bit of spare cash in my ISA, I’ve been looking for some value stocks. My research revealed that one of the cheapest — JD Sports Fashion (LSE:JD.) — is a stock I already own. With a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of only 7, the FTSE 100 sportswear retailer appears to offer tremendous value for money. But its recent share price performance suggests investors aren’t convinced. Clearly, I’m missing something. What might it be? Today’s (21 January) trading update could provide a clue. When looking at JD’s financial performance, it can sometimes be difficult to know what’s going on. In recent years, the group’s been expanding through acquisition in both Europe and North America. The United States is now its biggest market. The retailer’s forecast sales for the year ending 31 January (FY26) are expected to be £12.7bn, 49% more than for FY22. However, this morning, for the 48 weeks to 3 January, it reported a 2.1% drop in like-for-like (LFL) sales compared to the same period a year earlier. In other words, it’s selling less from its existing stores. But it’s the bottom line that really matters and things are going in the wrong direction here too. Analysts are expecting adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of 11.4p for FY26. If they’re right, it would be an 8.7% reduction on FY25. This lack of growth’s clearly a concern for investors. And over the course of FY26, the group’s directors have lowered expectations. It therefore appears as though the group’s shares are cheap – currently they’re valued at seven times FY26 forecast earnings – because investors have concerns that its performance is declining. But I see this as an opportunity, which is why I believe the stock should be considered. If the group can start to grow both revenue and earnings – and I think it can — its share price should respond accordingly. And analysts appear to agree with me. EPS is forecast to be 13.6p by FY28, implying a forward P/E ratio of only 5.8. Later this year, the football World Cup will be held across the US, Canada, and Mexico. Historically, large sporting events have boosted the group’s revenue. Indeed, JD Sports appears to be doing better in North America where, today, it reported an “improved” trend in LFL sales and a “strong online performance across all key fascias“. As with any business, it faces a number of challenges. The UK, where retail sales appear lacklustre, remains a key market. In fact, today’s update confirms that it’s currently the group’s worst-performing region. Also, tastes and trends can rapidly change in the sports/fashion industry. Failing to adapt quickly to these could lead to a loss of revenue and significant unsold inventory. But JD Sports retains a strong brand with a solid balance sheet. It expects to be in a net funds position (excluding leases) by the end of FY26. I would have to do a lot more research to establish whether JD Sports is the best value stock on the FTSE 100. But I think it’s certainly up there and one I believe offers tremendous value for money. It might take a while before confidence is fully restored, yet I feel investors will soon view the company more positively. The post With a P/E ratio of just 7, is this the best value stock on the FTSE 100 today? appeared first on The Motley Fool UK. When investing expert Mark Rogers has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for nearly a decade has provided thousands of paying members with top stock recommendations from the UK and US markets. And right now, Mark thinks there are 6 standout stocks that investors should consider buying. Want to see if JD Sports Fashion made the list? More reading James Beard has positions in JD Sports Fashion. The Motley Fool UK has no position in any of the shares mentioned. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.
|
https://www.fool.co.uk/2026/01/21/with-a-p-e-ratio-of-just-7-is-this-the-best-value-stock-on-the-ftse-100-today/
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
82cbf35ac04adcf49c7b263ee6015bc826f65b099e4ed660bf67241aa54d2302
|
2026-01-21T09:36:14+00:00
|
3 no-brainer UK stocks to consider buying now with just £100?
|
With nearly 2,000 UK stocks to choose from, finding the best ones to buy can be difficult. However, thanks to Trading212’s Hotlist at 20 January, it’s easy to know which stocks other investors are snapping up. Armed with this information, could the three most popular be no-brainer buys? Let’s take a look. Although it’s never a good strategy to follow the crowd, it can be heartening to know that one of the stocks you own is popular with others. And despite its meteoric post-pandemic rally, Rolls-Royce Holdings (LSE:RR.) has been the 16th-most popular stock with the trading platform’s clients over the past 30 days. But even though I’m a shareholder, I acknowledge the stock isn’t cheap. And its dividend’s on the mean side. However, it’s the long-term potential that appeals to me, which is why I think it’s still worth considering. Its small modular reactor programme appears to be going well and it says it wants to re-enter the narrowbody aircraft engine market. Admittedly, these are unlikely to be significant revenue earners until the 2030s but, if everything goes to plan, they could be hugely lucrative. Meanwhile, its existing aviation business is benefitting from increased air travel, its defence division is gaining on the back of global uncertainty, and its power systems arm is growing as a result of data centre demand. BAE Systems (LSE:BA.) is 28th on the Hotlist. Although the stock’s unlikely to appeal to ethical investors, the dangerous world in which we live means the defence sector’s one of the fastest-growing industries. Importantly, the group has customers around the globe so it isn’t reliant on one particular government for new business. At 30 June 2025, it reported an order backlog of $75.4bn. Income investors probably won’t appreciate its below-average dividend and its shares are more expensive that its closest rivals. However, it remains the largest supplier to the Ministry of Defence. Of course, no stock purchase is a total no-brainer buy but, in my view, this one comes pretty close. With NATO members pledging to spend at least 3.5% of GDP on core defence by 2035, the direction of travel’s clear. On this basis, I think BAE Systems is one to consider. Lloyds Banking Group (LSE:LLOY) is 40th on the list. I suspect investors are attracted by analysts’ forecasts predicting a 68% rise in post-tax earnings and a 82% increase in its dividend by 2027 compared to 2024. Having said that, there are no guarantees that these forecasts will prove accurate. But if they are met, it will have been an impressive growth story. However, unlike the other two, the stock doesn’t appeal to me. Yes, it’s well-managed and retains a solid brand but I believe the forecasts are too optimistic, especially for a business that generates nearly all of its income from the UK. Any sign that the bank isn’t on course to deliver the numbers and I reckon there could be a significant share price correction. Of course, £100 isn’t a huge amount of money to invest. It’s therefore important to choose an investment platform that doesn’t charge commission. But whether you invest £100 or £10,000, I think there are plenty of quality UK stocks around that could help deliver long-term gains. The post 3 no-brainer UK stocks to consider buying now with just £100? appeared first on The Motley Fool UK. When investing expert Mark Rogers has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for nearly a decade has provided thousands of paying members with top stock recommendations from the UK and US markets. And right now, Mark thinks there are 6 standout stocks that investors should consider buying. Want to see if Rolls-Royce Plc made the list? More reading James Beard has positions in Rolls-Royce Plc. The Motley Fool UK has recommended BAE Systems, Lloyds Banking Group Plc, and Rolls-Royce Plc. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.
|
https://www.fool.co.uk/2026/01/21/3-no-brainer-uk-stocks-to-consider-buying-now-with-just-100/
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
ece1d527d751ea7a0bbb0074109ae90a87ba1072534423c5b2c63a2e9914e7c3
|
2026-01-21T09:32:34+00:00
|
The Glencore share price is up 23% in a month! What’s going on?
|
One of the best-performing stocks in the FTSE 100 over the past month is Glencore (LSE:GLEN). The Glencore share price is up an impressive 23% over this period, and 27% over the past year. From my research, there are several reasons behind this move, which could dictate the direction of travel for the coming months. Recent reports suggest Rio Tinto is exploring a potential acquisition or merger with Glencore that could create one of the largest mining giants globally. Earlier this month, Rio Tinto put out a statement saying that “Rio Tinto and Glencore have been engaging in preliminary discussions about a possible combination of some or all of their businesses”. Of course, it’s early days, with a deal this size taking months to get things moving. But it’s clear there’s intent on both sides to make something happen, which has naturally driven a spike in interest in the Glencore share price. Another factor helping the business in recent weeks is the move in key commodity markets. Base metals have surged in January, particularly copper. Glencore has large exposure to copper and other metals, including gold and silver. The rise in raw material prices, it means the business can benefit from selling at higher prices. This should translate into higher profits. I’m very much in the camp that certain metals, such as gold and silver, are in a long-term move higher. There are plenty of reasons that support a continued price increase. These include lower interest rates globally, continued geopolitical uncertainty and higher industrial demand (particularly relating to silver and copper). As a result, I think commodity stocks like Glencore could do well as the business grows profits amid elevated commodity prices. This really works in its favour due to operational leverage. This refers to how revenue can increase faster than costs. For example, gold prices could jump 10% tomorrow, but the cost of production hasn’t changed. This is why companies like Glencore do very well during boom periods for raw materials. The merger with Rio Tinto is definitely something that will dominate conversations in the coming months. If things proceed, there’s the risk that Glencore gets delisted, with the combined company trading under the Rio Tinto brand. Ultimately, this could make any investment in Glencore short-lived, which is something that needs to be noted. Another risk is that if the deal falls apart or gets messy, Glencore shares could slump as optimism quickly fades. Therefore, although the strong performance over the past month is partly due to fundamentals, I’m cautious about buying now given the uncertainty around the Rio Tinto deal. I’d prefer to consider other commodity stocks that aren’t in merger talks for a cleaner investment opportunity. The post The Glencore share price is up 23% in a month! What’s going on? appeared first on The Motley Fool UK. When investing expert Mark Rogers has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for nearly a decade has provided thousands of paying members with top stock recommendations from the UK and US markets. And right now, Mark thinks there are 6 standout stocks that investors should consider buying. Want to see if Glencore plc made the list? More reading Jon Smith has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has no position in any of the shares mentioned. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.
|
https://www.fool.co.uk/2026/01/21/the-glencore-share-price-is-up-23-in-a-month-whats-going-on/
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
a54e8003f24625b7efe5e7d5817297101e7daccbc621dd1505acf4d9a89b0a60
|
2026-01-21T09:30:00+00:00
|
Which are the best UK stocks to buy right now? Here’s what the experts say…
|
AI chatbots can’t tell us the best stocks to buy, but they can check to see which ones are being talked about. And as we say at The Motley Fool, considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. So I asked ChatGPT to eavesdrop on what stock market analysts are talking about, and that’s given me a headstart on some ideas to check further for myself. Rentokil Initial (LSE: RTO) is getting a fair bit of love, as 12 out of 18 analysts recommend it as a Buy — with only one rating it a Sell. Interestingly, it doesn’t seem to be based on any obvious short-term undervaluation. Analyst forecasts put the shares on a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 38, which might look a bit steep. And there’s a forecast dividend yield of just 2% on the cards. But those same analysts expect Rentokil’s earnings to ramp up over the next few years — growing 60% between 2024 and 2027. In just three years, that would be quite some performance. And it could drop that P/E to 24, which looks better value for a solid growth stock. It comes on the back of a predicted surge in the pest control business. Some are predicting 5%-6% annual global market growth. It’s all about rising wealth and a growing need for urban hygiene. Rentokil also has its fingers in a number of business services pies around the globe. So is it really one of the best stocks to buy now? Today’s valuation is the biggest drawback for me. But it’s possibly the best in its field, and I rate it a definite long-term consideration. Computercenter (LSE: CCC) is also raising investor interest. Again, it’s not much of a dividend stock with a forward yield of 2.3%. But with AI advances driving increasing demand for computer and network-related infrastructure, is a P/E of 19 too high? And what if it drops to 16 by 2027 as analysts predict? With earnings expected to grow close to 30% in the next three years, I could see that as cheap. Especially when we see the high growth stock valuations of tech companies closer to the leading edge of AI. There’s one thing I particularly like about a company like Computacenter… whoever wins the AI wars, everyone will need the equipment, the connections, and all the rest of the infrastructure. It is however, a very competitive business. And if any AI bubble really does burst as some fear, the fallout could cause some pain. The company also cautioned us, at Q3 time, of “the ongoing uncertain geopolitical and macroeconomic backdrop“. But the update also spoke of “strong momentum in North America driven by continued volume growth with both enterprise and hyperscale customers“. And that could be key to long-term growth. The potential IT demand has to make this a stock to consider buying in 2026 too. The post Which are the best UK stocks to buy right now? Here’s what the experts say… appeared first on The Motley Fool UK. When investing expert Mark Rogers has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for nearly a decade has provided thousands of paying members with top stock recommendations from the UK and US markets. And right now, Mark thinks there are 6 standout stocks that investors should consider buying. Want to see if Computacenter Plc made the list? More reading Alan Oscroft has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Computacenter Plc. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.
|
https://www.fool.co.uk/2026/01/21/which-are-the-best-uk-stocks-to-buy-right-now-heres-what-the-experts-say/
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
f9c1e2e4f9a5957157af9fcacc58046720ae608a515dd6e04f988f9a119e0056
|
2026-01-21T09:22:22+00:00
|
3 penny shares tipped to soar 63% (or more) in 2026!
|
Penny shares can be an exceptional way to target long-term wealth. There’s no denying they can be prone to share price volatility. But over time, while some will sink, the best small-cap shares can transform an investor’s portfolio by delivering enormous capital gains The FTSE SmallCap Index has risen an impressive 13% over the last year. It could be set for further stunning gains too, as investors pile into cheap penny stocks and other undervalued UK shares. City analysts believe these British small-caps could surge during the next 12 months and are worth considering. The question is: are these forecasts realistic or simply pie in the sky? Michelmersh Brick (LSE:MBH) shares slumped into penny share territory towards the back end of 2025. They dropped as sales weakened in key construction markets. Yet brokers are confident the brickmaker will rebound from this point. Of the four rating the company, each call it a Strong Buy. And the average share price target is 134.5p, up 63% from today’s levels. I’m not surprised by these bullish forecasts. A lot will depend on the state of the British economy and its impact on the housing market. But I think demand for Michelmersh’s bricks will accelerate as more interest rate cuts and an ultra-competitive mortgage sector boost sales of new homes. Its low valuation should also support a share price recovery. Its forward price-to-earnings growth (PEG) ratio is 0.5, below the bargain watermark of one. Topps Tiles (LSE:TPT) might also enjoy a share price bump as construction markets improve. The four City brokers who rate the company are confident, drawing up an average 12-month target of 70.6p per share. That’s up 65% from today’ levels. Three of those four analysts consider the retailer a Strong Buy, with the other ranking it a Hold. As with Michelmersh, Topps could underperform depending on economic conditions. On top of this, it has significant competitive pressures to overcome. However, work to improve its digital channels and product ranges puts it in great shape to exploit a market recovery. The penny stock also looks dirt cheap at today’s prices. Its forward PEG ratio is 0.4. Catching a so-called falling knife is a notoriously risky business. But Iomart (LSE:IOM) — whose share price is down 77% over the last year — could be an attractive dip buy for more adventurous investors to consider. Four brokers currently have ratings on the cloud computing specialist. Two consider it a Strong Buy, with two giving it a Hold rating. But the average price target is far more promising. At 48.8p, this is up 192% from current levels. So what might spark a strong share price rebound? Over the past year, Iomart has suffered from high customer churn and increased borrowing costs. However, November’s financials showed some green shoots of recovery, with customer renewal rates up in the six months to September and order bookings at record highs. Like Michelmersh and Topps Tiles, I think there’s a good chance this penny share bounces back in 2026. The post 3 penny shares tipped to soar 63% (or more) in 2026! appeared first on The Motley Fool UK. When investing expert Mark Rogers has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for nearly a decade has provided thousands of paying members with top stock recommendations from the UK and US markets. And right now, Mark thinks there are 6 standout stocks that investors should consider buying. Want to see if iomart Group plc made the list? More reading Royston Wild has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has no position in any of the shares mentioned. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.
|
https://www.fool.co.uk/2026/01/21/3-penny-shares-tipped-to-grow-100-or-more-in-2026/
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
8fe50d9767054f8d0139e329db62745cc7c973b1e396af9cd174c6dc9bd21fd3
|
2026-01-21T08:37:00+00:00
|
This FTSE 100 stock’s tipped to grow by 67% over the coming year
|
Even though the FTSE 100 is made up of the largest companies by market-cap, it doesn’t mean that all are so mature and large that big share price gains can’t be achieved. In fact, one undervalued stock in the index received a Buy recommendation from a leading bank last week with significant potential to rally. I’m talking about easyJet (LSE:EZJ). The stock’s down a modest 4% over the past year. The latest full-year results for the period ended September 2025 showed strong performance with revenue up 9% to £10.1bn and pre-tax profit rising 9% to £665m versus 2024. Analyst Jarrod Castle from UBS has an updated price target of 800p for the stock over the coming year. Given the current share price is 480p, this reflects almost a 67% move higher. In terms of reasoning, he spoke about how well easyJet Holidays was doing and how the division could help to continue to drive profitability. Castle expects the unit to achieve a £450m profit target by 2030. If an investor shares this optimism, it’s logical to see why the share price could soar. It’s worth noting that not everyone shares the enthusiasm of the team at UBS. Analysts at Deutsche Bank just cut its easyJet target from 535p to 465p, believing there are better airlines in the sector to consider buying. This shows that all forecasts need to be taken with a pinch of salt. They’re subjective, so shouldn’t be solely relied on for making investment decisions. With a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.28, I do think easyJet stock’s undervalued right now. It’s below the benchmark figure of 10 I use to assign a fair value. I do get the concern around a softer macroeconomic environment. This could cause people to cut back on some travel plans, and is a risk for easyJet going forward. However, I think some of this caution’s misplaced. I think people will reduce long-haul plans. But easyJet’s a direct beneficiary of intra-Europe travel, not long-haul. Therefore, I think it should see good demand and not be unduly impacted. I agree with UBS about the holidays division. It’s underappreciated by some investors. The area delivers stable cash flows and good profit margins. As this segment grows, the company looks less like a pure airline and more like a travel platform, which could be argued to mean the stock deserves a higher valuation. Finally, the stock looks attractive due to the continued balance sheet improvements post-pandemic. Debt’s coming down, and cash generation’s improving. This should help investors feel more comfortable considering the stock for their portfolios. Although I don’t have an exact price target for the company, I don’t think the UBS tip’s unrealistic. The post This FTSE 100 stock’s tipped to grow by 67% over the coming year appeared first on The Motley Fool UK. When investing expert Mark Rogers has a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the flagship Motley Fool Share Advisor newsletter he has run for nearly a decade has provided thousands of paying members with top stock recommendations from the UK and US markets. And right now, Mark thinks there are 6 standout stocks that investors should consider buying. Want to see if easyJet plc made the list? More reading Jon Smith has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has no position in any of the shares mentioned. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.
|
https://www.fool.co.uk/2026/01/21/this-ftse-100-stock-is-tipped-to-grow-by-67-over-the-coming-year/
|
Business & Finance
|
svg
|
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.