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e2010df50b187667a55accdd9975f2d28b18727606094a9895e0ada9ce366610
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2026-01-12T22:35:00+00:00
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Microsoft, Oracle and ServiceNow could be the top stocks to play a software comeback
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Analysts believe these high-profile stocks at the intersection of software and infrastructure are in a good spot to monetize the coming wave of AI adoption.
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https://www.marketwatch.com/story/microsoft-oracle-and-servicenow-could-be-the-top-stocks-to-play-a-software-comeback-eec473e0?mod=mw_rss_topstories
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Business & Finance
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https://images.mktw.net/im-97413106
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ac224048783d67cf2c96e61843d7212fa58ddf942451ae438a6d70dc3ceb3faa
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2026-01-12T22:29:00+00:00
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PGA Tour to welcome back some LIV golfers. But they will have to pay a big price.
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Brooks Koepka is set to rejoin the PGA Tour after years at LIV Golf. But his return won’t come cheap.
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https://www.marketwatch.com/story/pga-tour-to-welcome-back-some-liv-golfers-but-they-will-have-to-pay-a-big-price-e59e7ccb?mod=mw_rss_topstories
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Business & Finance
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https://images.mktw.net/im-09040184
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7e4887c8c5f65c518dd314352b6e7805490d1614017a211c56e3901ea10ac461
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2026-01-12T22:19:00+00:00
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‘I have no mortgage’: Is it reckless to cancel my homeowner’s insurance? I can’t justify $4K a year anymore.
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“My deductible is $5,000.”
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https://www.marketwatch.com/story/i-have-no-mortgage-is-it-reckless-to-cancel-my-homeowners-insurance-i-cant-justify-4k-a-year-anymore-d1a03452?mod=mw_rss_topstories
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Business & Finance
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https://images.mktw.net/im-28089712
|
abfbb537c9f7f04d5f2dc151a87818d98f445ab89ccc1ba33b228b34e17cc2c3
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2026-01-12T21:59:00+00:00
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‘I will soon turn 65’: My son wants to live in my investment property for less than market rent. Do I say yes?
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“I would like to quit working.”
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https://www.marketwatch.com/story/i-would-like-to-quit-working-im-65-my-son-wants-to-live-in-my-second-home-for-less-than-the-market-rent-do-i-say-yes-4182adee?mod=mw_rss_topstories
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Business & Finance
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https://images.mktw.net/im-80977046
|
948d99a2442b0aeb67c6d762643f8ddf19e3d6e0a19137b9ce2d48e1bf991ed8
|
2026-01-12T21:54:00+00:00
|
Why the Dow, S&P 500 just closed at record highs despite Trump’s new pressure campaign against Fed’s Powell
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The “sell America” trade may be more about hedging America, one analyst said.
|
https://www.marketwatch.com/story/heres-whats-at-stake-for-investors-as-trump-opens-a-new-pressure-campaign-against-feds-powell-a8e740cd?mod=mw_rss_topstories
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Business & Finance
|
https://images.mktw.net/im-16914633
|
fdabb075920b617c66a875e50bcf8fe455666270b8dd5dd756381154f3b9c17e
|
2026-01-12T21:06:22+00:00
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Trump's credit card rate cap plan has unclear path, 'devastating' risks, bank insiders say
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A 10% rate cap would make large swaths of the credit card industry unprofitable, especially tied to customers with less-than-ideal credit, banks say.
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https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/12/trump-credit-card-rate-cap-enforcement-path-risks.html
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Business & Finance
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svg
|
7b2e36589e60d51156480873f8a1d6af096f6c045b7f914169dd43baf02c00aa
|
2026-01-13T02:52:41+00:00
|
Powell investigation: Drumbeat of Republican opposition grows on Capitol Hill
|
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said he was under investigation on Sunday night, the latest episode in President Donald Trump's feud with him.
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https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/12/powell-investigation-gop-opposition-congress.html
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Business & Finance
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svg
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d6b268127b575978c4b44672266c14a9237471a31d9f16a50354a253e801db4b
|
2026-01-13T03:59:26+00:00
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Venezuela stocks soar 130% to record highs as Maduro's ouster spurs economic turnaround hopes
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Venezuela's stock market has staged a dramatic rally following the capture of its ex-president Nicolás Maduro.
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https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/13/venezuela-stocks-skyrocket-after-maduro-us-capture.html
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Business & Finance
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svg
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bef234ce94faa3ab0e9ac928faadd1e959e73eed0406122c25c9ed44937214db
|
2026-01-12T22:35:15+00:00
|
Trump says any country doing business with Iran will face 25% U.S. tariff
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Trump's tariff post targeting Iran comes as the oil-rich country struggles to suppress an ongoing swell of massive anti-government protests.
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https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/12/trump-tariffs-iran-business.html
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Business & Finance
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svg
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7f4a60c90b34e84af909fc4b0f60c79f2f530378ca44fba93d562f4b5a064618
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2026-01-13T04:47:19+00:00
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SK Hynix to invest $13 billion in new plant amid memory chip shortage
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South Korea's SK Hynix will invest 19 trillion Korean won into a new advanced packaging plant, as the company attempts to meet growing memory demands.
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https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/13/sk-hynix-invest-13-billion-new-fab-memory-chip-shortage-advanced-packaging-ai-memory.html
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Business & Finance
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svg
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0e26c014e4afee021cba13b2ef247bfc43622832f36e2c3a2219778581d5670d
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2026-01-13T00:41:24+00:00
|
Trump says Microsoft will make changes to ensure consumers don't pay for power used in AI buildout
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President Trump said in a social media post that Microsoft will "make major changes beginning this week" to make sure Americans don't see rising energy costs.
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https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/12/trump-microsoft-changes-ensure-ensure-consumers-dont-pay-for-power-ai.html
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Business & Finance
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svg
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f2baac3d15eddc4e423e587967b02f9584f1845af040f2ee949d51be7e45f67b
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2026-01-12T18:41:45+00:00
|
Apple picks Google's Gemini to run AI-powered Siri coming this year
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Google's market value surpassed Apple for the first time since 2019 as it rolls out updated artificial intelligence features.
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https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/12/apple-google-ai-siri-gemini.html
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Business & Finance
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svg
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d3493f0d3606d55a59ebacf181366f208dfd92e0f8512f975cfbe7a165f1036c
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2026-01-13T04:03:51+00:00
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Japan's Nikkei 225 jumps over 3% as expectations that ruling party will opt for a snap vote rise
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Asia markets rose as investors shrugged off geopolitical flashpoints and a criminal investigation into Fed chair Jerome Powell.
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https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/13/asia-pacific-markets-nikkei-225-kospi-hang-seng-index-iran-powell.html
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Business & Finance
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svg
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083e22b8243e95329137ad126cd1446d0768ac4639addc3b7aa3ee2103f51557
|
2026-01-12T23:00:08+00:00
|
What the Justice Department investigation of Fed Chair Powell may mean for your money
|
The Justice Department's criminal investigation of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell could have far-reaching impacts on consumer wallets, economists say.
|
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/12/fed-chair-powell-investigation.html
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Business & Finance
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svg
|
b55cf05ce84a1a4107b9d00fd8dfb98a21b11f77802385a8521954a27452a629
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2026-01-12T22:12:54+00:00
|
Trump floats 1-year, 10% credit card interest rate cap — what that could mean for your money
|
President Donald Trump called for a 10% cap on credit card interest rates. Here's what experts say that could mean for cardholders, if implemented.
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https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/12/trump-credit-card-interest-rate-cap.html
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Business & Finance
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svg
|
ae1b1f44b85d9c510d1ac1f038489702d5f924031a99e77cbfad96cea95f2838
|
2026-01-12T21:47:20+00:00
|
Sen. Kelly sues DOD Sec. Hegseth, says he was punished for 'disfavored political speech'
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Hegseth said the Pentagon would cut Kelly's military retirement pay over his participation in a video telling U.S. troops they can refuse unlawful orders.
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https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/12/kelly-hegseth-lawsuit-video-pentagon.html
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Business & Finance
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svg
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416f097cc30d467a8b520e3c83694b0d873833f1c810c5e7fa295e5391a0ad91
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2026-01-12T17:16:36+00:00
|
Greenspan, Bernanke, Yellen and other past officials say Trump using 'prosecutorial attacks' to undermine Fed
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Previous Federal Reserve chairs, Treasury secretaries and prominent economists came together Monday to support Jerome Powell.
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https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/12/greenspan-bernanke-yellen-trump-fed.html
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Business & Finance
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svg
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8aea64579a8c1b9dfeadaab2f9ea83cfa0465e81380987be041ae1ec7f84fc00
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2026-01-12T21:58:03+00:00
|
'Sell America' trade: Dollar drops, gold surges as Trump's Fed pressure campaign raises fears about U.S. system
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The "Sell America" trade is a hot topic after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's bombshell announcement that he's under criminal investigation
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https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/12/sell-america-trade-trump-powell-investigation.html
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Business & Finance
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svg
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0516a5fed3970011e036ea3ff77258db573b8e00615b7022fad7dd87c268eb3d
|
2026-01-12T21:07:57+00:00
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Alphabet hits $4 trillion market capitalization
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The milestone comes after the company surpassed Apple as the second most valuable company.
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https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/12/alphabet-4-trillion-market-cap.html
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Business & Finance
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svg
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b195becb9294a9ca09f9968b524f218591352537be858648a712d957286fd222
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2026-01-12T20:06:07+00:00
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Why this health-care stock isn't bouncing after preannouncing an earnings beat
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Every weekday, the Investing Club releases the Homestretch; an actionable afternoon update just in time for the last hour of trading.
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https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/12/why-this-health-care-stock-isnt-bouncing-after-preannouncing-beat.html
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Business & Finance
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svg
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559b25d42a3a33ec6bda6e6750ebc56fd1597fbdef73fa0f959cd844bc6f4051
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2026-01-12T22:47:14+00:00
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OpenAI acquires health-care technology startup Torch for $60 million, source says
|
Torch CEO Ilya Abyzov previously co-founded Forward, a direct-to-consumer primary care business that did patient visits with tech-enabled "CarePods."
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https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/12/open-ai-torch-health-care-technology.html
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Business & Finance
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svg
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ebd868d66d4ff09b2a35d5e7eed5086c26b45eb1c9884d264ae99f0485529cca
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2026-01-13T00:32:08+00:00
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Republican Sen. Thom Tillis vows to block Trump's Fed nominees following Powell probe
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Trump will face an important obstacle — from within his own party — as he seeks to replace Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.
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https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/12/republican-sen-thom-tillis-vows-to-block-trumps-fed-nominees-following-powell-probe.html
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Business & Finance
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svg
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184d1f9f6e32fc1c3e35ef237d5b3cd09cbf8404c447e7da8a1545a5ac78f16e
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2026-01-12T18:52:03+00:00
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Fed Chair Powell says he's under criminal investigation, won't bow to Trump intimidation
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President Donald Trump has criticized Federal Reserve chief Jerome Powell for not cutting interest rates as much and as quickly as the president wants.
|
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/12/fed-jerome-powell-criminal-probe-nyt.html
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Business & Finance
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svg
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9d4db9acf7d26bda5f9896ccebb9cebaec411caadf57985ac1e4edac34cb80e3
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2026-01-12T20:53:01+00:00
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Elizabeth Warren fears workers will 'lose big' with 401(k) crypto, presses SEC chair Atkins for answers
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The SEC is preparing to help the Trump administration make crypto an investment in retirement plans, but Sen. Elizabeth Warren is voicing her concerns.
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https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/12/elizabeth-warren-sec-chair-paul-atkins-401k-crypto-risks.html
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Business & Finance
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svg
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8df7b6f632966d23c984cabf948361c2f83a56bed830225250a068058e0147b8
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2026-01-12T16:27:31+00:00
|
Yellen says Powell probe 'extremely chilling' for Fed independence, market should be concerned
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Former Fed Chair Janet Yellen spoke Monday to CNBC about a Department of Justice investigation into current Chair Jerome Powell.
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https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/12/yellen-says-powell-probe-extremely-chilling-for-fed-independence-market-should-be-concerned.html
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Business & Finance
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svg
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ac67fa4435ae83b2e3560eb7b6f21e4178bda5f8b0daf8647d767e7f03fe4ec6
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2026-01-12T18:40:34+00:00
|
Meta names former Trump advisor Dina Powell McCormick as president, vice chair
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Powell McCormick will serve as a member of Meta's management team and will help guide its strategy and execution, the company said.
|
https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/12/meta-dina-powell-mccormick-trump.html
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Business & Finance
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svg
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af92078a83ff7cdaaaa4ac6afd7bb6227fd3c26c4fe4782fe71362731dc2d5dc
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2026-01-12T14:16:05+00:00
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This is one of the ‘most important steps’ before tax season opens, IRS says
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The 2026 tax season opens on Jan. 26. To prepare, you should access your IRS online account, which could save time later, experts say.
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https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/12/irs-online-account.html
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Business & Finance
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svg
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0b8324d5a119c7bf9e0271250c868086641bd23dadd5b68b5d3eb196646d512c
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2026-01-12T22:36:08+00:00
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How tax-efficient investing could boost your portfolio returns in 2026 and beyond
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Now is the time to consider how changes in tax law, along with tax-efficient investing strategies, can boost your portfolio.
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https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/12/tax-efficient-investing.html
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Business & Finance
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svg
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78efb7d254f1d86f87d5ef38e0bf4181a2bb62e3d957ffd780dad73a0f95207e
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2026-01-12T15:18:13+00:00
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Tech investors assess minerals mining as U.S. takeover talk on Greenland grows, CEO tells CNBC
|
The geopolitical firestorm raging over the Arctic island has brought commercial opportunities to the fore.
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https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/12/tech-investors-probe-mining-viability-if-us-acquires-greenland-ceo.html
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Business & Finance
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svg
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3180972d5567245a21b91a55ca6928e70b56d8d65e129175b5f25e9ed00fcf5a
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2026-01-12T18:06:03+00:00
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Trump threatens to sideline Exxon from Venezuela's oil: 'They're playing too cute’
|
His comments come shortly after Exxon CEO Darren Woods said the Venezuelan market is "uninvestable" in its current state.
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https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/12/oil-trump-venezuela-exxon-mobil-darren-woods.html
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Business & Finance
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svg
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0b984a2500aa5b200e1e49340d73180f04a2abdcf8cbb3cc8521b3f5b2a139ec
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2026-01-12T22:25:47+00:00
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Paramount Skydance sues Warner Bros. Discovery in hostile takeover attempt
|
The lawsuit comes shortly after the WBD board once again told shareholders to reject Paramount's offer.
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https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/12/paramount-skydance-warner-bros-discovery-suit.html
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Business & Finance
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svg
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c27137a4e42e026718d59b92cf2673aee593aea0879acdd1bab125cbac61a251
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2026-01-12T14:51:22+00:00
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Discount grocer Aldi plans to open more than 180 stores in U.S. this year as customers across incomes seek value
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Aldi's growth reflects the fiercer competition with traditional players as discounters lure away shoppers and win more of their weekly grocery runs.
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https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/12/aldi-open-180-us-stores-2026.html
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Business & Finance
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svg
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0d21e9c276eefeb659e265017de05570ba384ad9f5f54942cf90d1f5b638dc60
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2026-01-12T12:48:33+00:00
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Meta urges Australia to rethink under-16 social media ban after blocking over 500,000 accounts
|
Meta highlighted that many Australian teens are circumventing its new social media ban by using alternative platforms such as Yope and Lemon8.
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https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/12/meta-social-media-ban-australia-teens.html
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Business & Finance
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svg
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116ebcbd0227a13eb66904b9d1b2ecdfe8b6e3eaa06cff1fe43a6d12a2035bfd
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2026-01-12T18:50:36+00:00
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Ho-hum holiday: Retail's early results show modest growth in critical shopping season
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The 2025 holiday season was solid for some retailers as they posted modest growth, but results failed to blow away expectations.
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https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/12/retails-early-holiday-2025-results-show-modest-growth.html
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Business & Finance
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svg
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b21cf5b07e15490f3a1bee9acd0034982e45f006dabfa548811ecd78c8654017
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2026-01-12T21:25:37+00:00
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JPMorgan's looming question: What happens when CEO Jamie Dimon leaves?
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JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon marks 20 years as CEO this month. Insiders say he remains as involved as ever managing the sprawling operations of the megabank.
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https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/12/jpmorgans-looming-question-what-happens-when-ceo-jamie-dimon-leaves.html
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Business & Finance
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svg
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0de9da271e60060130dc7aa8b342c21e77455e3ad3085fce14032a6c04fc74fd
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2026-01-13T02:28:18+00:00
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DepEd expands anti-bullying, mental health programs
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The Department of Education (DepEd) said on Monday that it aims to expand its school-based mental health and anti-bullying program by involving parents in strengthening learners’ well-being and protection. “As a parent myself, I know how heavy the responsibility of caring for and guiding a child can be,” Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara said in Filipino in a statement. “When families and schools work together in shaping values and creating a better understanding of what children are going through, learners are better supported, and the work of teachers becomes lighter,” he added. The Kaagapay program, which aims to align the values taught in schools with parental upbringing, will be implemented through parent engagement sessions and advocacy campaigns. “The sessions are structured to help parents situate their role within DepEd’s curriculum and learner development priorities before moving into learning discussions on socio-emotional and values support, positive discipline, bullying awareness, and home–school–community partnership,” the DepEd said. Although participation is voluntary, the agency underscored that all parents and caregivers of public school students are encouraged to participate in the sessions to prevent stigma and ensure proper representation of different family structures and socioeconomic backgrounds. Sessions may be conducted face-to-face, modular, and asynchronous to cater to parents’ different schedules and circumstances. The DepEd added that the rollout of the Kaagapay program, which has a P100 million budget allocation, complements the P2.9-billion allocation for the School-Based Mental Health Program, which includes suicide prevention in schools. In 2025, several school-based violence were reported, prompting the government to strengthen mechanisms for reporting and addressing incidents involving child abuse, bullying, violence, exploitation, discrimination plus gang-related activities on campus. A lawmaker has also pushed for the designation of mental health counselors in all public schools, including state universities and colleges, to reverse the “disturbingly increasing rates” of depression, anxiety, and even self-harm or suicidal ideation among young Filipinos. Under House Bill 163, or “Mental Health and Digital Wellbeing for Youth Act of 2025” by Camarines Sur 2nd district Rep. Vincenzo Renato Luigi R. Villafuerte, it mandates annual mental health screenings, the establishment of safe spaces for emotional processing, and training programs for teachers in trauma-informed and empathy-based approaches.— Almira Louise S. Martinez
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https://www.bworldonline.com/education/2026/01/13/723865/deped-expands-anti-bullying-mental-health-programs/
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Business & Finance
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97b220f9785aba8435b53c4bb2c1e796e1dfcf2462c41f10be40b7b55de19b21
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2026-01-13T01:30:59+00:00
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Philippine FDI net inflows plunge nearly 40% in October
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By Katherine K. Chan, Reporter Net inflows of foreign direct investments (FDI) into the Philippines plunged nearly 40% year on year in October, as foreigners’ net investments in debt instruments slumped. Based on preliminary Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) data, FDI net inflows declined by 39.8% to $642 million in October from $1.067 billion in the same month in 2024. Despite this, October saw the highest monthly FDI level in three months or since the $1.271-billion inflow posted in July. Month on month, inflows more than doubled (100.6%) from the five-year low of $320 million in September. “Foreign direct investments into the Philippines posted net inflows of $642 million in October 2025,” the BSP said in a statement released late Monday. “Japan was the top source of FDIs, while corporations engaged in financial and insurance activities were the biggest recipients of FDIs during the month.” The year-on-year decline came as nonresidents’ net investments in debt instruments plummeted by an annual 50.7% to $437 million from $888 million. However, this was tempered by higher inflows recorded across other FDI components. Investments in equity and investment fund shares jumped by 14.5% to $205 million in October 2025 from $179 million in the same month in the previous year. Nonresidents’ net investments in equity capital, other than the reinvestment of earnings, stood at $117 million in October, up 17.1% from $100 million a year earlier. Broken down, equity capital placements grew by 10.7% to $135 million from $122 million a year ago, while withdrawals dropped by 17.4% to $19 million from $23 million a year ago. Meanwhile, reinvestment of earnings rose by 11.3% year on year to $88 million from $79 million a year ago. TEN-MONTH SLIDE BSP data also showed that FDI net inflows fell by 24.5% to $6.179 billion as of October from $8.184 billion in the comparable year-ago period. Nonresidents’ investments in equity and investment fund shares amounted to $2.110 billion in the 10 months to October, 14.5% lower than the $2.468 billion a year earlier. Investments in equity capital, other than the reinvestment of earnings, slid by 29.8% to $1.022 billion during the period from $1.456 billion the prior year. This as placements dropped by 16.4% year on year to $1.599 billion from $1.912 billion a year ago. On the other hand, withdrawals climbed 26.5% to $577 million from $456 million a year ago. Most equity capital placements in the 10-month period came from Japan, the United States and Singapore. “Industries that received most of these investments were manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, and real estate,” the central bank said. Meanwhile, nonresidents’ reinvestment of earnings increased by 7.6% to $1.088 billion from $1.011 billion. However, net investments in debt instruments dropped by 28.8% to $4.069 billion in the period ending October from $5.717 billion a year ago. FDIs account for foreign investors’ investments in local businesses where they hold at least a 10% equity capital, as well as investments by a nonresident subsidiary or associate in its resident direct investor. It can be in the form of equity capital, reinvestment of earnings or borrowings. The BSP’s FDI data covers actual investment flows, compared to the Philippine Statistics Authority’s foreign investments data which include investment commitments that may not be fully realized in a given period. The BSP expects FDIs to reach a net inflow of $7 billion by end-2025.
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https://www.bworldonline.com/top-stories/2026/01/13/723851/philippine-fdi-net-inflows-plunge-nearly-40-in-october/
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Business & Finance
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f254c6cda0eca156130dd2d6ef7735942fab9635144133e4bfc6a17c195b3c1d
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2026-01-13T01:25:52+00:00
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Chito Sobrepeña, public servant and former Metrobank Foundation head, dies at 72
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ANICETO “Chito” M. Sobrepeña, a former Cabinet Secretary who was also a long-time president of Metrobank Foundation, Inc. (MBFI), the corporate social responsibility arm of Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co., has died at the age of 72. Mr. Sobrepeña was a civic leader and public servant who held various government posts before he moved to the private sector, serving as a Cabinet Secretary during the term of former President Corazon C. Aquino and as Deputy Director-General of the National Economic and Development Authority (now the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development) under former President Fidel V. Ramos. Following his over 20-year stint in government, he transitioned to the private sector in the mid-1990s to lead MBFI for 30 years before he retired in 2025. “A titan in corporate social responsibility, Mr. Sobrepeña dedicated his life to the pursuit of the common good. From his years in public service, including key leadership roles in the government, to his long and distinguished tenure as President of Metrobank Foundation, he exemplified integrity, compassion, and principled leadership,” Metrobank and MBFI said in a joint statement on Tuesday. “In his three decades leading the Metrobank Foundation, he set new standards for corporate social responsibility. MBFI’s programs expanded meaningfully across excellence recognition, education, health, the arts, and livelihood, creating enduring hope and opportunity for Filipinos from all walks of life.” They said Mr. Sobrepeña’s career was defined by his commitment to service, community development, and excellence with purpose, in line with the cornerstone Jesuit philosophy of being men and women for others. “Metrobank and the Metrobank Foundation extend our deepest sympathies to his family, loved ones, colleagues, and the many individuals whose lives he touched. We honor his legacy by continuing the work he so passionately advanced, service that uplifts, empowers, and creates enduring positive change,” they said. “Mr. Sobrepeña will be remembered not only for what he led, but for how he led — with wisdom, empathy, and unwavering commitment to the greater good.”
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https://www.bworldonline.com/banking-finance/2026/01/13/723854/chito-sobrepena-public-servant-and-former-metrobank-foundation-head-dies-at-72/
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Business & Finance
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136a09d50f65c3078730f37299a5e1355fea60049ea5440db0da95ba9ad5a539
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2026-01-12T16:33:08+00:00
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Wage hike for domestic workers eyed
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By Erika Mae P. Sinaking PHILIPPINE WAGE regulators opened talks on a possible increase in the minimum pay for domestic workers in Metro Manila, a move that could raise household costs for millions of families even as authorities grapple with weak compliance and uneven ability to pay. The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board-National Capital Region on Monday held a public hearing on adjusting the minimum wage for a kasambahay (domestic worker), marking the start of deliberations that could result in a decision after Jan. 15, according to the board chairperson Sarah Buena S. Mirasol. “We are hopeful that there will also be an increase for domestic workers, following last year’s adjustment for formal sector workers,” she told BusinessWorld. Ms. Mirasol said the hearing in Pasay City gathered views from local governments, labor groups, employer representatives, and domestic workers themselves. Ms. Mirasol said the board is weighing several factors, including cost of living, inflation, prevailing wages, and employers’ capacity to pay. Unlike the formal sector, household employers are largely workers themselves rather than businesses, she added. Data presented during the hearing indicated that the average wage of domestic workers in Metro Manila is around P9,000 a month, above the current minimum of P7,000. This was set by the last minimum wage order effective Jan. 4, 2025. “That already reflects the prevailing wage in NCR,” she said. The board is also seeing a shift toward part-time and live-out arrangements for domestic workers, Ms. Mirasol added. The board is currently relying on the Philippine Statistics Authority’s Labor Force Survey, while awaiting the release of a more detailed results from the rider questions on kasambahays. The results are expected later this year. Employer representative Federico R. Marquez, Jr. said any wage hike for domestic helpers would be felt most by middle- and low-income households. “Those earning below P50,000 a month are the ones who will really feel the increase,” he said, noting that “elite-income” households already pay above the minimum. “For those in the top group, such as families living in gated subdivisions, the increases are negligible. In fact, the current P7,000 minimum wage is almost nothing for them. Most already pay P10,000 to P11,000 for their kasambahays. They can easily afford this,” Mr. Marquez said. “But for employees… earning less than P50,000 — the increase is substantial. These are the households that will truly feel the impact of a wage hike for a kasambahay,” he added. Mr. Marquez stressed the need to balance affordability with worker welfare, warning that steep increases could lead some households to forgo hiring domestic help or to circumvent the law. He also expressed concern about weak compliance, particularly the lack of written employment contracts, which are mandatory under the Kasambahay Law (Republic Act No. 10361), also known as the Domestic Workers Act. The law establishes comprehensive labor rights and protections for domestic workers, including a written contract, minimum wage, humane working conditions, and social security benefits. Labor groups, meanwhile, pushed for a meaningful adjustment and stronger enforcement. Helena Simplina, project officer of the Federation of Free Workers, said the hearing highlighted persistent noncompliance, citing cases of domestic workers earning as low as P2,000 a month. “There are still employers who do not comply with the minimum wage and registration requirements,” she said, adding that many households remain unregistered with barangays, contributing to data gaps. Labor sector representative Angelita D. Señorin said workers are expecting a “good increase,” noting that most domestic workers in Metro Manila already refuse jobs paying only the minimum wage. “No one is really accepting P7,000 anymore,” she said. Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort told BusinessWorld that cost of living and inflation, which vary by region, “are key inputs in wage decisions.” According to the PSA, full-year NCR inflation averaged 2.4% in 2025, down from 2.6% in 2024, driven by slower food price growth, though higher housing and utility costs exerted upward pressure. “(The wage) may look low but many of them are stay in. Free or subsidized rent, food, utilities, among others, but mostly free,” Mr. Ricafort added. Benjamin B. Velasco, an assistant professor at the University of the Philippines Diliman School of Labor and Industrial Relations, said domestic workers deserve higher wages. “Definitely kasambahays deserve a raise. It’s been a year since they had a wage hike,” he told BusinessWorld in a Facebook Messenger chat. While the law mandates 10-point criteria for wage adjustments, in practice it boils down to the cost of living and the capacity of employers to pay, Mr. Velasco said. “In the case of kasambahays, their employers are the rich, the middle class and the small number of higher paid workers in which both parents are most probably working so they need a househelp for domestic and care work,” Mr. Velasco said. “Given the sustained economic growth, I believe they have the capacity to pay kasambahays a higher salary.” Mr. Velasco said given the option to work abroad and the high cost of living, the reservation wage — the rate at which a kasambahays is willing to work — has gone up.
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https://www.bworldonline.com/top-stories/2026/01/13/723758/wage-hike-for-domestic-workers-eyed/
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Business & Finance
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09fc613ab59b637729a344ddba067e021f5ae2d554b7597a1641b1654aa6886c
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2026-01-12T16:32:08+00:00
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Meralco rates go down in January
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OVER EIGHT MILLION customers of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) will see lower electricity bills this month as the power distributor announced a rate cut on Monday. The overall electricity rate declined by P0.1637 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to P12.9508 per kWh in January from P13.1145 per kWh in December, the company said in a statement. Residential households consuming 200 kWh will see their monthly electricity bills go down by P33. Customers using 300 kWh, 400 kWh, and 500 kWh will see reductions of P49, P65, and P82, respectively. Meralco Vice-President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe R. Zaldarriaga said the decline in power rates was driven by the lower transmission charge. “While there were upward pressures on certain cost components this January, the overall electricity bill still went down for the second consecutive month. We hope this will help our customers, especially at the start of the new year,” Mr. Zaldarriaga said in Filipino during a briefing. The residential transmission rate dropped by P0.10 per kWh to P1.0368 per kWh mainly due to lower ancillary service charges incurred by the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines from its bilateral contracts and the reserve market. Contributing to the downward adjustment was the lower generation charge, which declined by P0.0171 per kWh to P7.7471 per kWh due to lower costs from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) and power supply agreements (PSAs). Charges from WESM fell by P1.1898 per kWh as the supply situation in the Luzon grid improved. PSA charges likewise declined by P0.0516 per kWh as a coal plant in Quezon province returned to operations. Meanwhile, the cost of electricity charged by independent power producers (IPPs) increased due to higher fixed fees from a major gas plant, as well as the peso depreciation, affecting their costs that are mostly dollar denominated. The peso closed at P58.79 per dollar on Dec. 29, weakening by P0.145 from its P58.645 finish on Nov. 28. WESM, PSAs, and IPPs accounted for 7%, 71%, and 22%, respectively, of Meralco’s total energy requirement for the period. Taxes and other charges slipped by P0.0837 per kWh, further pulling down the overall rate. The lower charges cushioned the increase arising from the implementation of the green energy auction allowance equivalent to P0.0371 per kWh, in accordance with the directive of the Energy Regulatory Commission. The amount is charged to all on-grid electricity end-users to fund the incentives of new renewable energy projects under the government’s green energy auctions. “Pass-through charges for generation and transmission are paid to the power suppliers and the grid operator, respectively, while taxes, universal charges, and renewable energy subsidies are all remitted to the government,” Meralco said. Meralco’s distribution charge has not been adjusted since the P0.0360 per kWh reduction in August 2022. SUMMER FORECAST With the anticipation of higher demand during the summer months, Mr. Zaldarriaga assured consumers that there will be adequate power supply. “We have always ensured that we have adequate capacity in coming into our system to make sure that we will be able to supply efficient, reliable, and adequate electricity to all our customers,” he said. On the distribution side, Meralco First Vice-President and Head of Networks Froilan J. Savet said the company is implementing proactive and preventive maintenance of its facilities. “We continue to implement our capex (capital expenditure) projects, including the installation of additional lines and the construction of substations, to ensure we provide reliable and quality service to our customers,” Mr. Savet said in Filipino. Meralco also warned against theft of electrical facilities, including power cables, following a recent attempt in Quezon City that resulted in a temporary disruption of electricity service to nearly 8,000 customers. In 2025 alone, the power distributor reported 285 theft incidents of electrical facilities, including power cables. Most of these resulted in service interruptions while four resulted in physical injuries. “Beyond the inconvenience caused by service interruptions, these acts pose life-threatening risks due to the high voltage of Meralco facilities. Any contact with energized facilities can lead to electric shock, severe injuries, or even death,” Mr. Savet said. Meralco’s controlling stakeholder, Beacon Electric Asset Holdings, Inc., is partly owned by PLDT Inc. Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has an interest in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera
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https://www.bworldonline.com/top-stories/2026/01/13/723757/meralco-rates-go-down-in-january/
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Business & Finance
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27130280abd54e6f847b98e1cd1922198d7cf7df1a8ad0799c7468c97c371d93
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2026-01-12T16:31:08+00:00
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‘Tiis ganda no more?’ Filipinos’ digital patience may wane over time
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By Beatriz Marie D. Cruz, Reporter FILIPINOS have the second-highest level of digital patience among seven Asia-Pacific countries, but this could shorten over time as more brands compete in the digital space, according to US-based customer engagement platform Twilio. About 76% of Filipinos consider themselves patient when dealing with online or automated customer service, Twilio said in its “Decoding Digital Patience: The Philippines spotlight” report. Filipinos’ level of digital patience is the second highest among seven countries in the Asia-Pacific and Japan (APJ), only behind Indonesia (85%). It is also well above the APJ average of 68%. Customers in Japan (65%), India (65%), Australia (64%), Hong Kong (60%), and Singapore (59%) are more impatient online, Twilio said. “The digital world has really redrawn the boundaries when it comes to something like waiting, and I think that’s going to increasingly put pressure on brands to compete for users’ attention,” Nicholas Kontopoulos, vice-president of marketing, Asia-Pacific & Japan at Twilio, told BusinessWorld in a video interview last week. “We’ll likely continue to see improvements being delivered by brands as a consequence of Filipinos’ patience level maybe decreasing.” Digital patience, which refers to a user’s willingness to deal with brands online, is expected to be the “new currency” of customer experience, Twilio said. It attributed the high level of digital patience to the Filipino phrase “tiis ganda,” or a user’s willingness to “endure discomfort for a worthwhile outcome.” According to the report, Filipinos were more willing to accept delays for better security (68%) and customer support (62%) than their regional counterparts. “What sets Filipino consumers apart is their exceptional patience across every channel. This goodwill even extends to the automated services that typically frustrate consumers elsewhere,” Twilio said. It noted that 72% of Filipinos are tolerant of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered chatbots and 70% remain patient with automated phone menus. However, Mr. Kontopoulos also noted that the Philippines’ digital-savvy consumer base could become more impatient with online customer support over time. “We are living in an on-demand world, and every second of delay can ultimately impact consumer loyalty and revenue,” he said. When dealing with digital or automated channels, Filipino users seek warmth, friendliness, and a sense of progress, Twilio said. About 50% of Filipinos also value easy-to-follow instructions, as well as data security (41%), response time (41%), friendliness (37%) — all more than their regional peers, it added. Filipino users are also self-reliant problem seekers, Twilio said, with 43% seeking their own answers when digital customer services fall short. Meanwhile, 35% said they would switch to a different channel, while 26% would complain or leave a negative review. Twilio also noted that Filipino users are willing to wait for an average of 27 minutes for a resolution, given that brands ensure transparency and security in the process. “They will wait if the friction feels necessary for the outcome that they are striving to achieve,” Mr. Kontopoulos said at a briefing on Friday. Philippine Airlines (PAL) Vice-President for Customer Experience Mark Anthony C. Munsayac said Filipinos’ longer digital patience could be due to the relatively lack of exposure to more advanced technologies online. “It’s also possible that [Filipinos’] lack of exposure on other global processes can influence lower expectations, and we want to elevate those standards,” he told the briefing. PAL, which also uses Twilio, is looking to deploy a customer engagement tool by the latter half of the year to help manage customer data and personalize user engagement, Mr. Munsayac said. ‘CONDITIONAL’ PATIENCE In a “high-stakes interaction,” Filipino users are most patient when using a health platform (81%), followed by travel (76%), retail and electronic commerce (73%), technology and telecommunications (72%), and finance and insurance (68%). While 61% of Filipinos are comfortable in using agentic AI in customer service, users want AI to respond in human-like, tailored, and genuinely helpful ways, it said. Filipino users also want to know if they are talking to an AI agent (68%), while 37% expect human-like interactions, Twilio added. “If you are fast but cold, you are still failing in their eyes. Customers aren’t just demanding speed, they want proactive updates,” Mr. Kontopoulos said. It also noted that users expect AI to provide 24/7 availability and faster responses, but 34% want an option to speak to a human agent if AI cannot solve the issue. They are more frustrated when AI-powered systems provide scripted or robotic answers (46%), limited or generic responses (44%), or immediate solutions to issues (41%). The report also said Filipinos are among the most cautious in the region when letting AI agents handle sensitive tasks in banking (55%), healthcare (46%), and legal or government services (45%). To transform Filipinos’ trust to consumer loyalty, brands must offer clarity, continuity, choice, and care when providing digital customer services online, Twilio said. “The Filipino consumer extends goodwill and patience, but this is not a free pass. Filipinos welcome automation only when it genuinely reduces effort and maintains the safety net of human support,” it said. Twilio commissioned marketing research firm YouGov to conduct the study. It surveyed around 7,331 users in the APJ region including 1,007 Filipinos from Aug. 28 to Sept. 4, 2025.
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https://www.bworldonline.com/top-stories/2026/01/13/723759/tiis-ganda-no-more-filipinos-digital-patience-may-wane-over-time/
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Business & Finance
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383b0c2c5af8faf0a0ecbb98c4e798abdd00380be9d084788c681ee5ca2401b1
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2026-01-12T16:08:40+00:00
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Telco landscape to see major shifts, investment growth — analysts
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By Ashley Erika O. Jose, Reporter PHILIPPINE telecommunications companies (telcos) are preparing for major shifts in the telco landscape, including margin pressure and evolving business strategies, as the Konektadong Pinoy Act reshapes competition, according to analysts. “The entry of new participants and a more intense competitive market dynamic could temper the margins and growth prospects of the current major players,” China Bank Capital Corp. Managing Director Juan Paolo E. Colet said in a Viber message. However, he noted that incumbent operators retain advantages that could help cushion the impact of heightened competition. “Industry leaders can leverage their position as incumbent operators to drive expansion and profitability, including brand equity, deep local market knowledge, and financial resources,” he said, adding that some players also have room to improve operational efficiency. The Konektadong Pinoy Act, also known as the Open Access in Data Transmission Act, lapsed into law on Aug. 24, while its implementing rules and regulations (IRR) were signed on Nov. 5. The law removed the requirement for a legislative franchise for data transmission players, easing market entry, and promoting infrastructure sharing. John Paolo R. Rivera, a senior research fellow at the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, said the law is poised to significantly alter the competitive landscape. “As a ‘gamechanger’ law, I expect it to spur fresh investment in the country’s digital and connectivity sector by removing the need for a legislative franchise and easing entry barriers for data-transmission players, thus opening the market to more competition,” he said. He added that mandated infrastructure sharing could lower costs and encourage network expansion. “By mandating infrastructure sharing and focusing on unserved and underserved areas, it reduces costs and encourages both domestic and foreign investors to expand broadband, fiber, and satellite networks,” he said. Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Rhoel R. Aguda said several foreign players have already expressed interest in entering the Philippine market. “So far, seven foreign data transmission industry participants have already signified their interests in entering the telecom industry,” Mr. Aguda said, noting that each is expected to invest about $1.5 billion. Under the IRR, data transmission industry participants (DTIPs) will be allowed to construct, install, establish, maintain, lease, or own networks and facilities without a legislative franchise, while also promoting asset sharing between incumbents and new entrants. The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) will serve as the primary policy and coordinating body for the law’s implementation, Mr. Aguda said, adding that the agency will also issue guidelines on cybersecurity standards aligned with each DTIP’s risk profile. “The State shall promote data transmission infrastructure sharing and co-location to eliminate the uneconomic duplication of these facilities in the data transmission industry,” according to the IRR. INCUMBENT CONCERNS PLDT Inc. Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan said the law’s implementing rules unfairly disadvantage existing operators. “I think [Konektadong Pinoy] has added to our concerns. Eventually, what does the bill and the IRR hope to accomplish?” he said. He criticized provisions requiring incumbents to share infrastructure with new entrants. “They are going to use our infrastructure, and their claim is that the existing infrastructure is inadequate. Yet they are going to use inadequate infrastructure. How does that improve the service?” he said. PLDT Chief Legal Counsel Joan de Venecia-Fabul said the company is studying its options. “We are not yet in a position to say what legal remedies, but we are actively studying all [options] because ultimately we want to support the goal of the President, especially for greater connectivity,” she said. Meanwhile, Converge Information and Communications Technology Solutions, Inc. views the law as a catalyst for expanding its wholesale business. “The Konektadong Pinoy Law is helping competition deepen, which opens opportunities for faster rollout to communities,” Converge Chief Executive Officer Dennis Anthony H. Uy said. He said infrastructure sharing could reduce capital expenditures (capex) for new operators while supporting Converge’s expansion. “Infrastructure doesn’t come overnight, which is why we are ready for Konektadong Pinoy’s infrastructure sharing provisions for both backbone and distribution networks,” Mr. Uy said. “In other countries, infrastructure sharing has proven to be beneficial because it reduces capex for new operators. It’s a win-win situation for us, and we are ready for Konektadong Pinoy implementation,” he added. Globe Telecom, Inc. said it is continuing to innovate as competition intensifies. “I think the DNA of Globe is about innovation and innovation actually addresses the pain points of the customers,” Globe Chief Commercial Officer Darius R. Delgado said. “In the prepaid or fiber space, we would just continue the formula that works. We will continue developing things for them, then the demand will come,” he added. DITO Telecommunity Corp. expressed support for the law’s objectives, particularly expanding access in far-flung areas. “When you look at the noble objectives of the [Konektadong Pinoy], we are fully supportive of that,” said DITO Telecommunity President and Chief Executive Officer Ernesto R. Alberto. “Who does not want to democratize access to the internet, broadband to a wider base?” he added. DITO Chief Revenue Officer Adel A. Tamano said regulations should remain flexible for new entrants. “New players should not be subjected to the same level of requirements currently imposed on incumbent operators,” he said. REGULATORY AND MARKET IMPACT For Samuel V. Jacoba, founding president of the National Association of Data Protection Officers of the Philippines, the IRR strikes a balance by imposing cybersecurity requirements. “Within two years from registration or authorization, DTIPs shall secure a cybersecurity certification or cybersecurity compliance from the DICT Cybersecurity Bureau,” the IRR said. Mr. Jacoba said the timeline is reasonable. “Two years will be enough time for new operators to establish baseline cybersecurity compliance anchored on global standards,” he said, adding that incumbents should already meet such requirements. Digital Pinoys national campaigner Ronald B. Gustilo said the law could broaden the market base. “When more Filipinos gain reliable access to the internet, the demand for digital services, e-commerce, and financial technology naturally rises,” he said. “This creates a multiplier effect across industries,” he added. Mr. Aguda said the DICT expects internet prices to decline and service quality to improve as competition increases. “We do anticipate increased investment in the connectivity sector as a result of the Konektadong Pinoy law. It provides predictability and policy direction — two major factors that investors look into before committing capital,” he said. The law offers tax incentives, including income tax holidays and value-added tax exemptions. Tower companies’ operating licenses have been extended to 15 years from five years at no additional cost. DICT, in partnership with the Australian government, has completed a real-time mapping of all fiber optic lines nationwide, which will guide efforts to expand connectivity to 100% of households. Lower internet prices and improved service quality are expected as new players enter the market, especially in underserved and far-flung areas. Despite being a national priority since 2022, the Philippines’ digital transformation has lagged due to weak broadband infrastructure and restrictive policies, according to a July World Bank report. Only 28% of households had fixed broadband access in 2023, while the country had more than half of Southeast Asia’s unconnected mobile broadband users.
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https://www.bworldonline.com/corporate/2026/01/13/723768/telco-landscape-to-see-major-shifts-investment-growth-analysts/
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Business & Finance
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df1a0a1964ab39ff632caa2147fad674ee0dc27ccfa966b8438f4ccc331232c4
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2026-01-12T16:07:39+00:00
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Megaworld earmarks P8B for Negros township
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LISTED property developer Megaworld Corp. has allocated P8 billion to develop a 97-hectare (ha) township in Negros Occidental, banking on continued growth in the Visayas. The project, called The Sugartown, is the company’s 37th township in the Philippines and its seventh estate in the Visayas, Megaworld said in a stock exchange disclosure on Monday. The township will be located in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, with development expected to be completed over seven to 10 years. The property is Megaworld’s third mixed-use development in the Negros Island Region, following the 53-ha Northill Gateway and the 34-ha township The Upper East. The Sugartown will feature premium residential developments under Megaworld and its wholly owned subsidiary Suntrust Properties, Inc., as well as a town center, commercial district, and tourism-related facilities. Megaworld President and Chief Executive Officer Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso said the township aims to attract tourists, visitors, and local residents, citing its proximity to the Bacolod-Silay Airport Road. “Our vision for this new township in Negros Occidental is to provide new opportunities to help boost tourism in the province,” she said. The site will be less than five minutes from Talisay City Hall and about 15 minutes from the Bacolod City Government Center. Megaworld’s expansion in Negros Occidental reflects its confidence in the region’s growth, Alliance Global Group, Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer Kevin L. Tan said. “With the Negros Island Region already in place, the future of this province is bright and we have seen the rise of mixed-use developments not just in the capital but also in other towns and cities,” he said. The Negros Island Region’s economy grew by 5.9% in 2024, faster than the national average of 5.7%, according to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority. Megaworld reported a 1.16% increase in third-quarter attributable net income to P5.23 billion, driven by the strong performance of its hotel and residential segments. On Monday, Megaworld Corp. shares rose by 1.85% or four centavos to close at P2.20 apiece. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz
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https://www.bworldonline.com/corporate/2026/01/13/723767/megaworld-earmarks-p8b-for-negros-township/
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Business & Finance
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c659723aa584257672482618f7e8676ac652c88c47ed548f038d099bf181ed50
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2026-01-12T16:06:39+00:00
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GCash rolls out in-app OTPs to curb fraud
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ELECTRONIC wallet platform GCash has launched in-app one-time passwords (OTPs) to strengthen account security against phishing, scams, and fraud. “Our upgrade to In-App OTPs is a strategic move to put an end to phishable SMS OTPs. We will shift users to instant, GCash app-verified authentication, to increase the security of their daily transactions,” GCash Chief Information Security Officer Miguel Geronilla said in a media release on Monday. By the first quarter, users will receive OTPs directly through secure push notifications within the GCash application, instead of via text messages, the company said. GCash said SMS-based OTPs have been a frequent target of scammers seeking unauthorized access to user accounts, adding that in-app OTPs are designed to address these vulnerabilities. “By sending OTP requests directly to the user’s authenticated GCash app, GCash ensures that only the intended users can receive and use the unique OTPs, protecting them from unauthorized access,” the company said. GCash also said the new system allows one-tap authentication, eliminating the need for users to switch applications or wait for OTPs delivered through text messages. “In-App OTPs reflect commitment of GCash to providing secure, seamless financial services for its millions of users and set a new benchmark for digital finance security in the Philippines,” it said. In December, Globe Telecom, Inc. and GCash announced the completion of initial tests for the implementation of a silent authentication system. A silent authentication system verifies users through a secured network, replacing the need for one-time passwords. Globe Fintech Innovations, Inc. (Mynt), the operator of GCash, is a partnership among Globe, Ayala Corp., and Ant International, a digital payments, digitization, and financial technology provider. Last year, Globe and Bank of the Philippine Islands also announced that they are developing a proof of concept for silent network authentication to combat fraud. The technology verifies a user’s identity by checking whether the mobile number provided matches the SIM card active in the current data session, Globe said, describing it as a powerful layer of defense against phishing and other SIM-based fraud. At the local bourse on Monday, shares in Globe closed unchanged at P1,620 each. — Ashley Erika O. Jose
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https://www.bworldonline.com/corporate/2026/01/13/723766/gcash-rolls-out-in-app-otps-to-curb-fraud/
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Business & Finance
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e5560d5235a552ad12ac97d9c8e67cb3a5cdb25a99956fc8fc7c5bd699931f76
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2026-01-12T16:05:38+00:00
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Aboitiz Foods acquires Singapore animal nutrition firm
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ABOITIZ EQUITY Ventures, Inc. said its food unit, through subsidiary Gold Coin Management Holdings Pte. Ltd. (GCMH), has completed the acquisition of Singapore-based Diasham Resources Pte. Ltd., expanding its specialty animal nutrition portfolio and manufacturing footprint in Asia. “This acquisition gives us a more complete range of products and solutions to offer our customers across the region,” Aboitiz Foods President and Chief Executive Officer Tristan S. Aboitiz said in a disclosure on Monday. “Diasham has built a strong legacy and developed deep customer relationships over many decades; factors that mattered very much in our decision to engage in this transaction,” he added. Founded nearly 50 years ago, Diasham supplies feed additives, water-soluble products, injectables, and liquid solutions across Asia-Pacific markets, including Thailand, Indonesia, China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Bangladesh. The acquisition strengthens Aboitiz Foods’ regional expansion, following its first overseas investment in Vietnam more than a decade ago and GCMH’s 2018 acquisition, which has since become the group’s largest operation outside the Philippines. The company said the transaction remains subject to customary closing adjustments related to cash, debt-like items, and working capital. At the local bourse on Monday, Aboitiz Equity Ventures shares fell 2.55% to P30.70 apiece. — Alexandria Grace C. Magno
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https://www.bworldonline.com/corporate/2026/01/13/723765/aboitiz-foods-acquires-singapore-animal-nutrition-firm/
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Business & Finance
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7c5a6e58e862d0b82c21e156735b975af4c30416d07c663a5f9dbca182a63ce3
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2026-01-12T16:05:33+00:00
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(P)oppas
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On a Korean male stripper show and changing beauty norms FOR a large part of the recent past, Caucasian men have mostly occupied the space reserved for sexual fantasies (think The Chippendales and Magic Mike). Judging by The Man Alive Choice show late last December at the City of Dreams Manila, perhaps that sentiment is changing. The Man Alive Choice is a body show starring 10 men, the concept imported from South Korea. They were in the Philippines from Dec. 27 to 28, performing at the Grand Ballroom of the aforementioned resort. The 10 men (whose Instagram handles were thoughtfully provided on the program) were muscular, but had boyishly, definitely East Asian looks that tend to subvert the image of the man body shows like these tend to emphasize (think Joe Manganiello from Magic Mike). No photos or videos were allowed to be taken on the evening of Dec. 27, even in the VIP and SVIP sections where BusinessWorld was seated (tickets cost P10,000 for our section; SVIP Cost P15,000, which came with a dinner. There were cheaper tickets). We noted quite an audience mix: younger effeminate men in their early 20s, polished women in their 30s, and meek-looking aunts in their 50s and up (we note that this is also the demographic we tend to hear talking about K-dramas and K-pop). While dragging along husbands or sons (which led to interesting comments from the gentleman behind me seated with his wife), the aunts weren’t so meek when the Man Alive Choice boys approached them. We also note that this is The Man Alive’s first sojourn outside South Korea, and their first all-gender show (they have an exclusively female audience in Seoul; more on that later). THE SHOW The men came out on the stage through parting LED screens, wearing elegant dinner jackets (without shirts underneath), much to the crowd’s excitement. We also note they are a wonderful advertisement for K-beauty — these men literally glowed. After the pop-sounding opening number, they lipsynced The Man Alive theme, with several parts of it with Korean lyrics. This was followed by a trance-y electronic number with flashing white lights. The guys came out in white evening jackets this time, each draped with a black sash pinned with brooches. The guys left the stage and approached the audience, taking their jackets off, and one even kissed an aunt on the cheek. They then changed into gladiator outfits with leather skirts and bondage harnesses, while lipsyncing pirate chants. With a quick costume change, one of the guys came out, while dragging one of the titas onstage. He stripped off his business-coded pinstripe outfit, revealing a leather harness underneath it. Another dancer appeared, dressed in leather briefs, to be dominated by the guy (formerly) in the pinstripe suit. The fellow in the leather briefs ripped the pinstripe pants off the first guy, showing that both of them were in S&M gear. The audience cheered — surprisingly, even the men with their wives were also enthusiastic. Next, two guys in camouflage pants tease a blond inside a rotating cage, later joined by an officer in leather. The manacled prisoner ran to the audience and motioned for release, but surprisingly, the manacles turned into a leash, which his captors used to control him (to this, the aunts in the audience shouted “Wow!” while the dad behind me said, “Is that it?” in Filipino). The aunts cheered for the blond when he clapped the officer in the cage — but the cheers were even louder when they feinted a kiss. After the dangerous and thrilling cage segment, they cleaned up their act a little when they brought out four of the boys in preppy blazers, lip-syncing to a wholesome-sounding, bouncy K-pop song. Most of the guys left the stage, leaving just one behind, who then stripped off his preppy look, slowly showing off his underwear (the waistband of which was printed with the show’s name). Two others join him in just towels, then the trio runs off the stage to the audience, offering a touch and a grind (one tita enthusiastically raised her hands for a turn). After a song change, they stayed offstage with audience members, the hands of ladies in sundresses laying on their chests. Meanwhile, more Man Alive guys appeared onstage, this time to give a lap dance to a girl picked from the audience. Another woman was chosen to go onstage, to the tune of Ginuwine’s “Pony” (by now a classic male stripper song). Given a lap dance, she was joined by four more men. The poor lady onstage expressed some surprise, but a host asked for more ladies to go up the stage, one for every extra man, provided they weren’t wearing skirts or shorts. The show’s climax was announced: a wedding scene, where a lucky audience member drawn from a raffle went onstage, to be “married” to one of the Man Alive men, dressed in white. The rest of the group, in red suspenders and jumpsuits, guided the pair to a leather hammock. On the hammock, the “groom” bucked and grinded on his “bride,” then took off his pants, revealing slick vinyl underwear. For their final number, they took another audience member onstage, where the men, wearing tactical-style action-star gear “fought” over her in an urban rescue fantasy. They ripped their pants off to reveal that they were all wearing matching Man Alive underwear, then they leaped offstage to show them off. The men each gave a dance number where they came out one by one wearing just jeans, then bade the audience goodbye. However, the host announced that the men would come out for an encore if the audience screamed loud enough (and they did). The men danced to “One Night Only” from Dreamgirls, wearing denim jackets. They danced all the way to the very back of the room, the one time they allowed cameras during the show. The whole show lasted exactly an hour. MIXED COMPANY Reg Rodriguez, marketing head of Rabbithole Entertainment Production, said that they first encountered the show in Seoul and Jeju. She explains why it was such a big deal for the Philippine production to be The Man Alive Choice’s first all-gender audience show. “Apparently, in Korea, it’s super-traditional. It’s really to protect the (LGBTQ+) audience. They’re very conservative, that there’s still a stigma in watching these kinds of shows,” she told BusinessWorld in an interview. As an example, a report from Amnesty International (“South Korea: Serving in silence: LGBTI people in South Korea’s military”) cites that while same-sex sexual activity is legal between civilians, Article 92-6 of the Military Criminal Act punishes sexual activity between men in military service with up to two years in prison (note the kiss in the military-style skit mentioned earlier). The report cited accounts of gender-based discrimination and harassment within and beyond the ranks (such as a lack of recognition for same-sex couples under the law, and a lack of protection for discrimination based on gender identity). “Here in the Philippines, I feel like we’re more progressive,” she said. “That’s why they’re also open to hold an all-gender show.” It is interesting to note that the Philippines’ own SOGIE (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression) Equality Bill that would give similar protection against gender-based discrimination is yet to be passed into law — putting us on equal footing with South Korea on that regard. On the subversion of usually Western beauty standards in the show, Ms. Rodriguez pointed out that “The Philippines has been under a K-fever, with K-pop, K-drama; K-food, even,” saying, “What’s also interesting to note is that when we talk about beauty standards, we’ve shifted from a more Western gaze to a more Eastern gaze. We’re really embracing it, because we’ve been exposed, and were seeing them, and we’re getting to know them more.” She also emphasized that aside from appearance, there’s a difference between the Western man shows we’ve been used to, and this bit from Korea. “That’s what makes Man Alive different. They bring a charming Korean twist — you can’t find it in Western shows.” — Joseph L. Garcia
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https://www.bworldonline.com/arts-and-leisure/2026/01/13/723691/poppas/
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Business & Finance
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69b85d691acd46acf3652dd21ff2ecc24bf0a4cdb92951c7c98f028a4768ebb5
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2026-01-12T16:05:33+00:00
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Gov’t increases T-bill award as yields go down
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THE GOVERNMENT upsized the volume of Treasury bills (T-bills) it awarded on Monday as it took advantage of strong market appetite that pushed yields down across all tenors. The Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) raised P37.8 billion via the T-bills it auctioned off, higher than the P27-billion plan, as the offer was more than four times oversubscribed, with total tenders reaching P113.096 billion. This was also above the P108.1 billion in bids recorded last week. The Auction Committee increased its award as the auction attracted strong demand, with all T-bill tenors fetching average yields that were lower than those seen at the previous auction and at the secondary market, the Treasury said in a statement. This led the BTr to double its acceptance of noncompetitive bids for all tenors to P7.2 billion each. Broken down, the government awarded P12.6 billion in 91-day T-bills, above the P9-billion plan, as demand for the tenor reached P35.433 billion. The three-month paper fetched an average rate of 4.731%, decreasing by 2.4 basis points (bps) from 4.755% in the previous auction. Yields accepted were from 4.723 to 4.743%. The Treasury also increased the award for the 182-day debt to P12.6 billion versus the P9-billion program as tenders hit P43.628 billion. The average rate of the six-month T-bill was at 4.85%, easing by 4.5 bps from 4.895% previously. Tenders awarded carried yields from 4.843% to 4.863%. Lastly, the BTr raised the award for the 364-day securities to P12.6 billion from the P9-billion plan as the tenor attracted bids totaling P34.035 billion. The one-year paper’s average yield was at 4.916%, down by 2.1 bps from 4.937% the previous auction. Accepted rates were from 4.9% to 4.928%. At the secondary market before Monday’s auction, the 91-, 182-, and 364-day T-bills were quoted at 4.8009%, 4.9097%, and 4.9746%, respectively, based on PHP Bloomberg Valuation Service Reference Rates data provided by the Treasury. The government fully awarded its T-bill offer as players swamped the offer, causing yields to go down across the board week on week, the first trader said in a text message. “This is likely due to increased demand as traders rebalance portfolios and get into position at the start of the 2026,” the trader said. “Great auction. It’s understandable that the BTr took advantage and doubled the awards of noncompetitive bids,” the second trader said in a text message. Both traders said Tuesday’s auction of reissued seven-year Treasury bonds (T-bonds) could also see robust demand. The government will offer P30 billion in reissued papers that have a remaining life of five years and four days. “This gives them (BTr) leeway to reject bids in some of the auctions if bids are too high,” the second trader said. T-bill rates dropped to track the week-on-week decline seen in yields on their comparable secondary market benchmarks due to fresh policy signals from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) chief, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said in a Viber message. Demand soared as investors likely wanted to lock in still-high yields before a potential cut by the BSP next month, he added. Last week, BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. said a sixth straight rate cut is “on the table” at the Monetary Board’s Feb. 19 meeting, but could be “unlikely” even as inflation remains benign. “There’s a chance that we may cut some more, and there’s also a chance that we may not move at all. But there’s not a lot of probability that we will raise in 2026,” he said. The Monetary Board has lowered benchmark borrowing costs by 200 bps since it began its rate-cut cycle in August 2024, bringing the policy rate to 4.5% The BSP chief has signaled since December that their easing cycle was nearing its end, with further cuts — if any — likely to be limited and data-dependent. Meanwhile, analysts have said that the central bank could still ease further to help support domestic demand as growth prospects have weakened due to a wide-ranging corruption scandal that has stalled both public and private investments, dragging economic growth. The BTr is looking 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. — A.M.C. Sy
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https://www.bworldonline.com/banking-finance/2026/01/13/723744/govt-increases-t-bill-award-as-yields-go-down/
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Business & Finance
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4c484710a573bd3323387960bbea143fd06364c80d7e166dc34b6c7df093d5ad
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2026-01-12T16:04:38+00:00
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Ayala Land partners with Abba’s Orchard for Vermosa campus
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LISTED property developer Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI) has partnered with Abba’s Orchard Montessori School to develop its largest K–12 Maria Montessori campus in Luzon within the Vermosa estate in Cavite. The agreement aligns with ALI’s strategy to integrate accessible and modern social infrastructure within its townships, the company said in a statement on Monday. The Vermosa campus is also set to become Abba’s Orchard’s largest school in the Philippines, ALI said. The partnership also “positions Vermosa not only as a future-ready Ayala Land estate with key modern amenities, but as a community deeply invested in shaping future generations through education.” The project was formalized through a contract signed by officials of ALI and Abba’s Orchard in December. The Vermosa campus will house the school’s Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) program, which follows global standards in Montessori education and teacher training, ALI said. The school will offer programs from Kindergarten to Grade 12. “The development follows a carefully structured timeline covering design, regulatory approvals, construction, and intensive in-house teacher training,” ALI said. Located within the 752-hectare Vermosa estate, the school will be accessible from nearby office, retail, and sports facilities. Vermosa hosts key landmarks such as the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub Athletics Center Grandstand, Ayala Malls Vermosa, and De La Salle Santiago Zobel-Vermosa. It is also close to residential developments under ALI, including Caleia Vermosa, The Courtyards at Vermosa, Parklane Settings Vermosa, and Sentria Storeys Vermosa. The township spans parts of Imus and Dasmariñas, Cavite, and is accessible from Metro Manila via the South Luzon Expressway, Cavite-Laguna Expressway, and the Manila-Cavite Expressway. It also has a transport terminal along Daang Hari Road serving buses, jeepneys, and tricycles on local routes. ALI’s estate portfolio includes the Makati Central Business District, Bonifacio Global City, Cebu Business Park, Alviera in Pampanga, and the upcoming Ascenda in Davao City. At the local bourse on Monday, ALI shares rose by 2.22% or 50 centavos to close at P23 apiece. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz
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https://www.bworldonline.com/corporate/2026/01/13/723764/ayala-land-partners-with-abbas-orchard-for-vermosa-campus/
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Business & Finance
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02cfeccf51af32b081b109773bf6f76eb7fc79e48328f75fa3184aa2a3545a7d
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2026-01-12T16:04:32+00:00
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LANDBANK seeks to raise at least P5 billion via dual-tenor sustainability bond offer
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LAND BANK of the Philippines (LANDBANK) wants to raise at least P5 billion from a dual-tranche sustainability bond issuance, marking its return to the domestic debt market after five years. The state-run lender will issue peso-denominated, fixed-rate ASEAN Sustainability Bonds branded as Agriculture, Sustainability, Environment and Socioeconomic Development (ASENSO) Bonds with tenors of 1.5 and three years, it said in a statement on Monday. “The ASENSO Bonds offer investors a unique opportunity to earn competitive, fixed returns while contributing to meaningful projects that benefit communities and the environment. With rising demand for sustainable investments, there is no better time to invest in initiatives that generate positive social and environmental impact while supporting long-term national growth,” LANDBANK President and Chief Executive Officer Lynette V. Ortiz said. The public offer period will run from Jan. 28 to Feb. 26 via the LANDBANK Mobile Banking App. The notes are scheduled to be listed on the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. on Feb. 16. The bonds are being sold for a minimum investment of P10,000 and in increments of P10,000. Interest on the bonds will be paid quarterly starting from the issue date and will be subject to final withholding tax. “Proceeds from the issuance will be allocated exclusively to eligible green projects, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, green buildings, clean transport, sustainable water management, and pollution prevention, as well as social projects such as food security, affordable housing, health, education, access to essential services, employment generation, and broader socioeconomic development,” LANDBANK said. The state-run lender has tapped China Bank Capital Corp. (Chinabank Capital) as the sole issue manager for the bond offering, with LANDBANK and Chinabank Capital acting as the selling agents. “The issuance is aligned with LANDBANK’s Sustainable Finance Framework, which integrates environmental, social, and governance principles into the Bank’s operations in support of the Philippine Development Plan, the Philippine Sustainable Finance Roadmap, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” the bank said. It added that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has confirmed that the bonds fulfill the requirements under the ASEAN Sustainability Bond Standards and the SEC ASEAN Sustainability Bond Circular. LANDBANK last tapped the domestic bond market in November 2020 as it raised P5 billion via the sale of two-year fixed-rate ASEAN Sustainability Bond with an interest rate of 2.5872% per annum. The state-run bank’s net income climbed by 41.79% year on year to P35.64 billion in the first nine months of 2025. — Aaron Michael C. Sy
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https://www.bworldonline.com/banking-finance/2026/01/13/723743/landbank-seeks-to-raise-at-least-p5-billion-via-dual-tenor-sustainability-bond-offer/
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Business & Finance
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92257060cd463e13bce6aecd594e73723d364094fd92f98e1b0ce99c747b627b
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2026-01-12T16:04:06+00:00
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Male allyship for inclusive workplaces
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https://www.bworldonline.com/opinion/2026/01/13/723715/male-allyship-for-inclusive-workplaces/
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Business & Finance
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8a9c12923348400b039cf0a8fd6e46d0718d1edacb7cb3a72a9ad5b040141114
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2026-01-12T16:03:38+00:00
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Proposed condo law seen to unlock value in aging developments
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By Beatriz Marie D. Cruz, Reporter THE proposed Condominium Redevelopment Act is expected to support residential demand in Metro Manila by providing clearer rules for the maintenance and redevelopment of aging condominium projects, analysts said. “The proposed law reduces risk for buyers and investors in older but well-located projects, supports demand in mature central business districts (CBDs), and enables long-term urban renewal through higher-quality, more market-relevant developments,” Joe Curran, chief executive officer of Savills Philippines, said in an e-mailed reply to questions. House Bill (HB) No. 2286, or the proposed Condominium Redevelopment Act, seeks to establish clearer guidelines for the proper maintenance, repair, reconstruction, and redevelopment of condominium projects. The measure proposes lowering the voting requirement for the dissolution of a condominium corporation from 100% to two-thirds of stockholders or members for projects that are 30 to 50 years old, and from 100% to a simple majority for projects that are 50 years old or more. It also aims to ensure that the “property rights of unit owners are respected, while addressing the needs of the community and improving the overall quality of life of Filipinos,” according to a copy of the bill. If enacted, the law would make the redevelopment of aging condominium projects more feasible by easing owner consent requirements and clarifying redevelopment rules, Mr. Curran said. The proposed law would also allow developers to better realign existing assets with current market demand, according to Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC). “Reducing the voting thresholds for the dissolution of a condominium corporation allows the resultant landowners the ability to construct a new building with higher floor area ratio densities, replacing obsolete, and inefficient properties in prime locations,” Roy Amado L. Golez, Jr., LPC director for research, consultancy, and valuation, said in an e-mail. “These will be redeveloped into new projects that meet current market needs — creating renewed supply in CBDs where developable land is scarce,” he added, noting that this could help revitalize older neighborhoods such as Legaspi and Salcedo Villages in Makati City. HB 2286 also allows developers and their agents to enter condominium units during emergency situations that pose a danger to life or property. The House of Representatives approved HB 2286 on third and final reading in November last year, while counterpart bills in the Senate remain pending at the committee level. Metro Manila has a total of 775,400 condominium units, with 80,300 units unsold as of end-November 2025, based on LPC data.
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https://www.bworldonline.com/corporate/2026/01/13/723763/proposed-condo-law-seen-to-unlock-value-in-aging-developments/
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Business & Finance
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c9fd542eef5935acc36bc21129abd0a3992a70ede623900f3cb6bc53e1b28fcb
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2026-01-12T16:03:33+00:00
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Entertainment News (01/13/26)
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1 of 6 We Are Imaginary releases self-titled third album FILIPINO indie rock band We Are Imaginary has released their self-titled third album on digital music platforms worldwide via indie label floppydisks. Produced by Joey Santos of Love One Another and Ahmad Tanji, the album delves into themes of identity, emotional reckoning, and acceptance. Sonically, it’s a dreamy guitar-rock record infused with shoegaze and noise-pop textures. The band is also set to release the album on vinyl via Eikon Records sometime in the first quarter of the year. Wolfgang’s The Reunion concert opens ticket selling ON FEB. 7, Filipino rock band Wolfgang is returning onstage to mark the 30th anniversary of their debut album, Wolfgang. Founding members Basti Artadi, Manuel Legarda, and Wolf Gemora will reunite at the New Frontier Theater, Quezon City, for the show. Tickets are now available at Ticketnet outlets (ticketnet.com.ph/event-detail/Wolfgang-The-Reunion). The Kid LAROI releases new album GRAMMY-NOMINATED singer The Kid LAROI has dropped his first full-length album in two years, BEFORE I FORGET, out now via Columbia Records. It was preceded by the release of the singles “A COLD PLAY,” “A PERFECT WORLD,” and “BACK WHEN YOU WERE MINE,” which represent a turning point for the 22-year-old artist. The album is out now on all digital music streaming platforms. Raymond Lauchengco, Jamie Rivera in Valentine’s show TWO iconic singers — Raymond Lauchengco and Jamie Rivera — are coming together on Feb. 13 for an evening of nostalgia, grace, and heartfelt magic. Starting at 7:30 p.m. at the Isla Ballroom of the Edsa Shangri-La Manila, their music will celebrate love for a special Valentine’s show. Reservations can be made through 0932-404-9551. Bruno Mars releases new single, music video AFTER announcing his long-awaited fourth solo album, The Romantic, Bruno Mars has dropped its first single, “I Just Might,” available now via Atlantic Records. The new song, which is joined by an official video directed by the singer and Daniel Ramos, offers a glimpse into the new project. The album will be released on Feb. 27. For now, the single “I Just Might” is on digital streaming platforms. Cinemalaya 2026 calls for short film entries THE Cultural Center of the Philippines and the Cinemalaya Foundation, Inc. have opened submissions to the Short Film Category of the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival 2026. The deadline for submissions is on or before 6 p.m. of Feb. 27. Interested participants may submit a maximum of three entries, but only one entry per proponent may be considered as a finalist. For online applications, requirements can be sent via https://bit.ly/CM2026_ShortFilm_EntryForm.
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https://www.bworldonline.com/arts-and-leisure/2026/01/13/723690/entertainment-news-01-13-26/
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Business & Finance
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dacefaed62a3340eab334832bd102a07e3b4ab7b3d9bf150ec98629994712de9
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2026-01-12T16:03:32+00:00
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Go likely to bring dovish but pragmatic voice to policy-setting Monetary Board
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By Katherine K. Chan, Reporter FINANCE SECRETARY Frederick D. Go is expected to bring a dovish voice favoring expansionary policy to the Monetary Board (MB) given his private sector background, analysts said “Secretary Go (is expected) to bring more diversified views to the MB, given his strong business and investments background,” Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said in a Viber message. “In view of this, he is expected to be pro-business, pro-industry, pro-economic growth, pro-investments, so he could be more dovish.” Last week, Mr. Go officially joined the central bank’s seven-member policymaking body as he was sworn into his post by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor and Monetary Board Chair Eli M. Remolona, Jr. The new Finance chief, who was previously the special assistant to the President for investment and economic affairs, took over the seat previously held by now-Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto as the representative of the Cabinet in the Monetary Board. “Given Secretary Go’s experience as an industrialist, his recommendations and priorities, I expect, would be expansionary,” Reinielle Matt M. Erece, an economist at Oikonomia Advisory and Research, Inc., said in a Viber message. This is as lower borrowing costs can help boost the economy through increased private spending and investments, which can also create more jobs, he said. For his part, John Paolo R. Rivera, a senior research fellow at the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, said Mr. Go’s addition to the Monetary Board would strengthen policy coordination between fiscal and monetary authorities, even as the central bank’s focus remains on its primary mandate of maintaining price and financial stability. “This can actually improve policy coherence, especially in periods of fiscal stress or economic transition,” Mr. Rivera said in a Viber message. “Given his industry and private sector background, he may lean pragmatic rather than strictly dovish or hawkish, supportive of growth when conditions allow, but mindful of inflation risks and market credibility. This suggests a data-dependent, cautious approach, favoring calibrated easing when inflation is under control and restraint when stability is at risk, rather than aggressive policy shifts.” Jonathan L. Ravelas, a senior adviser at Reyes Tacandong & Co., said the Finance chief’s entry to the policy-setting Board “brings a strong fiscal lens and an investor mindset.” “Expect him to push for better coordination between spending and rate policy. He’s likely pragmatic — a hawkish stance when inflation heats up, but leaning dovish to protect growth when conditions allow,” he said. “In short, flexible and pro-growth, with stability always in focus.” The Monetary Board will hold its first meeting for this year on Feb. 19. The BSP on Dec. 11 delivered a fifth straight 25-basis-point (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. Mr. Remolona has left the door open to one more 25-bp cut this year that would likely mark the end of their current easing round to help boost domestic demand and spur economic recovery. The Monetary Board will hold its first policy meeting for this year on Feb. 19. Lingering governance concerns due to a corruption scandal involving state infrastructure projects have dragged both public and private investments, causing Philippine gross domestic product growth to slump to a four-year low of 4% in the third quarter of 2025. Mr. Remolona earlier said GDP expansion likely averaged 4.6% in 2025, well below the government’s 5.5%-6.5% full-year goal, which economic managers have already said could be difficult to reach. He also said growth could pick up to 5.4% this year, within the government’s revised 5%-6% target, and then to 6.3% in 2027 versus the 5.5%-6.5% goal.
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https://www.bworldonline.com/banking-finance/2026/01/13/723742/go-likely-to-bring-dovish-but-pragmatic-voice-to-policy-setting-monetary-board/
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Business & Finance
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2e166456be71ddd9a0fcc01db0057aa85ce85931f5e5245de403e17381f840af
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2026-01-12T16:03:05+00:00
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Speed Up! The citizenry should pressure the DoJ and the OMB
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https://www.bworldonline.com/opinion/2026/01/13/723714/speed-up-the-citizenry-should-pressure-the-doj-and-the-omb/
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Business & Finance
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8c7c43f3cd80636c580b552d29bd09b8e8abfe181f7e171187b1334ec059bf19
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2026-01-12T16:02:37+00:00
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DoTr awards P93.57-M study for Metro Laoag, La Union public transport to Palafox
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THE DEPARTMENT of Transportation (DoTr) has tapped Palafox Associates to provide consulting services for the Metro Laoag and Metro La Union Public Transport project. In a notice of award dated Dec. 29, 2025, the department said Palafox was selected for the P93.57‑million contract after being rated the sole responsive bidder. The project is currently at the pre-investment study stage and aims to develop a modern public transport system for the Ilocos region. The study is scheduled for completion within 12 months from receipt of the Notice to Proceed (NTP), the DoTr said. Under the contract, Palafox will create a comprehensive transportation masterplan and model, conduct geospatial mapping and condition assessments of existing services and infrastructure, and perform infrastructure demand analysis and capacity planning. The project will support an industry-wide assessment of the region’s transportation system, paving the way for improved public transit and traffic management. The DoTr has said it targets the completion of a multimodal transportation hub in Ilocos Norte by 2027, as part of efforts to ease traffic congestion in the province. — Ashley Erika O. Jose
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https://www.bworldonline.com/corporate/2026/01/13/723761/dotr-awards-p93-57-m-study-for-metro-laoag-la-union-public-transport-to-palafox/
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Business & Finance
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29d3c4a0ec7af3cc14f21138ee64e0772b6f2ea88bcc654495546776340faa32
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2026-01-12T16:02:31+00:00
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Systemic shocks call for better credit access, targeted support
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PHILIPPINE COMPANIES need targeted liquidity support, wage subsidies and better credit access to cushion the negative impacts of global shocks such as the coronavirus pandemic, a study showed, with some firms yet to fully recover years after the crisis. A discussion paper by researchers from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Research academy and the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) showed that the pandemic affected companies in varying degrees, highlighting the need for tailored support and recovery strategies during systemic crises. “In the Philippine corporate sector, resilience manifested in large firms’ ample short‑term liquidity, relatively stable asset levels, and the resumption of revenue generation even after prolonged periods of mandatory closures and operational restrictions,” the researchers said. “However, our empirical results also indicate that the recovery in revenues did not translate into a full recovery in profitability or employment.” Based on the paper, financially constrained businesses were more vulnerable to shocks across both real and financial metrics. “Liquid asset buffers played a positive role in supporting firm resilience, especially among unconstrained firms in both tradable and nontradable sectors,” the researchers said. They also noted that several businesses in the country failed to generate ample profit to allow them to rehire or employ new workers despite resuming operations. According to the study, businesses that were forced to close during the pandemic-driven lockdowns lost about 65% of their annual earnings, or about 5.4% monthly. “For liquidity‑constrained firms, the decline is larger in magnitude, suggesting that the lack of liquidity impairs a firm’s ability to cope with the crisis and withstand business closures,” the researchers added. These show the need for more precise liquidity and wage support or conditional grants for the hardest-hit sectors, instead of “blanket interventions” that tend to benefit less-affected firms, they said. Financially constrained companies also need better credit access to address their liquidity gaps and similar vulnerabilities, they added. “Given the heightened vulnerability of these firms, liquidity support may be enhanced through temporary and targeted loan moratoria and tax relief, reductions in policy interest rates and reserve requirements, the creation of emergency lending facilities, and the expansion of collateral frameworks to improve access to financing,” they said. “Broader access to working capital and supplier finance can also bridge liquidity gaps during future downturns.” Affected sectors must likewise invest in training and reskilling initiatives as well as digitalization incentives, such as grants and tax credits, to create safety nets for their workers, the researchers said, as these crises’ impact on employment are usually sector-specific. “Policies that facilitate productivity-enhancing reallocation can help firms pivot and respond quickly to future pandemic-like crises.” — Katherine K. Chan
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https://www.bworldonline.com/banking-finance/2026/01/13/723741/systemic-shocks-call-for-better-credit-access-targeted-support/
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Business & Finance
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6734cb304d68795acce633558dbe8d0077576a6de65e426aaf89352ddc570a55
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2026-01-12T16:02:06+00:00
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Developers set sights on expansion in 2026
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By Beatriz Marie D. Cruz, Reporter PHILIPPINE PROPERTY developers are pressing ahead with expansion plans for 2026, guided by long-term demand and urbanization trends, while adopting cautious, phased strategies amid slower infrastructure spending and broader economic uncertainties. “Sentiment may remain cautious because of global and local uncertainties, but the Philippine property sector’s long-term fundamentals remain strong because of a young population, a growing middle class and continued urbanization,” SM Prime Holdings, Inc. President Jeffrey C. Lim told BusinessWorld in an e-mail. To capture consumer demand, the Sy-led property developer is banking on its differentiated product offerings, pricing strategy, and accessible locations across its residential and commercial developments, he said. “We expect the upscale segment to stay resilient, but overall residential take-up will likely be subdued given weak sentiment and lingering uncertainties in the market,” he added. Gokongwei-led Robinsons Land Corp. (RLC), meanwhile, said it is prioritizing prudent capital allocation, flexible project phasing, and strong tenant and partner relationships amid external uncertainties. “Despite a more tempered macroeconomic backdrop, we expect steady and resilient demand across our core businesses,” RLC Chief Strategy Officer Ramon S. Rivero said in an e-mailed reply to questions. The developer’s core segments — residential, leasing, logistics, and hospitality — continue to show structural strength, supported by business process outsourcing expansion, remittances from overseas Filipino workers, and the recovery in tourism, he said. In response, RLC will continue to “strategically expand our mall and office portfolio by tapping underserved catchments, upgrading existing assets, and integrating new formats that cater to evolving tenant and consumer needs,” Mr. Rivero said. Mindanao-based developer Damosa Land, Inc. (DLI) expects real estate demand in the region to remain stable, particularly in its residential, industrial, and tourism-oriented developments. “We also continue to see strong end-user demand in suburban locations, where buyers prioritize space, nature, and long-term value,” DLI President and Chief Executive Officer Ricardo F. Lagdameo said in an interview with BusinessWorld. The company anticipates “moderate but steady” growth, supported by its diversified portfolio and the expanding regional economy, he added. Developers have long cited the government’s infrastructure program as a key driver of real estate activity, boosting land values and commercial developments in surrounding areas. However, a corruption scandal involving anomalous flood control projects has slowed public infrastructure spending and weighed on business sentiment. Data from the Department of Budget and Management showed that infrastructure spending declined by 10.7% to P887.1 billion in the first nine months of 2025, from P982.4 billion a year earlier, as tighter validation of projects followed the controversy. “Without the collateral damage of the flood control anomalies on the macroeconomy, business activities would have been sustained,” former Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Diwa C. Guinigundo said in a Viber message. “Public expenditure on infrastructure like new roads and bridges connect communities and urban centers, and therefore encourage business activities, including real estate development,” he added. Tempered public spending may also slow landbanking outside Metro Manila, according to Colliers Philippines. “The government’s infrastructure projects are crucial, especially in guiding property firms where to develop next, so delayed infrastructure implementation is likely to impede real estate firms’ development initiatives,” Joey Roi H. Bondoc, director and head of research at Colliers Philippines, said in an e-mailed reply to questions. For Santos Knight Frank Philippines, the controversy highlights the need for stronger safeguards to improve transparency. “It’s a great opportunity to have third-party groups come in, whether it’s quantity surveyors, appraisers, or independent groups, to validate where investments go into,” Santos Knight Frank Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Rick M. Santos told BusinessWorld in an interview. Still, developers said slower public spending is unlikely to derail their long-term expansion plans. “Our expansion timelines are not tied to short-term movements in public spending, so we do not expect the slowdown in government spending to materially affect the growth plans of our business segments,” Mr. Lim said, citing SM Prime’s long-term pipeline of retail, residential, and hospitality projects. “We also believe in the Philippines’ long-term growth trajectory, and we will continue developing our projects in line with our long-term plans,” he added. While monitoring the rollout of infrastructure projects, RLC said its expansion timelines remain intact. “RLC has historically positioned its developments in strategic growth corridors that already benefit from completed infrastructure, such as improved road networks, airports, and district developments,” Mr. Rivero said. The company follows a phased expansion strategy that allows flexibility in launch timing amid political and economic uncertainties, he added. Havitas Properties, Inc., which develops vacation homes and residential projects across the Luzon countryside, said its projects are less exposed to delays in public infrastructure spending. “Our projects are located within identified infrastructure growth areas which are mostly private sector-led. This has mitigated the risks imposed by public sector-led infrastructure projects which unfortunately are currently in the limelight,” Havitas Properties President and CEO Jonathan F. Caro told BusinessWorld. In Mindanao, DLI said several infrastructure projects linked to its developments are already in advanced stages. “National infrastructure spending may slow, but in Mindanao, many catalytic projects are already in advanced stages, which helps cushion the impact,” Mr. Lagdameo said. These include the Davao Coastal Bypass Road, which was partially opened in December, and the proposed upgrade of the Davao International Airport, slated for completion by end-2026. By segment, RLC expects stable residential take-up, supported by demand for value-driven and well-located units, particularly green-certified developments in economic hubs. “We expect a softer residential market but steadier performance across our commercial portfolio next year,” Mr. Lim said, noting that mall leasing remains supported by regional expansion and experiential offerings. Developers also expect the IT-BPM (Information Technology and Business Process Management) sector to continue driving office leasing demand, while hospitality and wellness tourism remain in bright spots as travel and leisure activity recovers. “We operate with caution but confidence, prioritizing phased development and data-driven planning to ensure long-term growth despite macro uncertainties,” Mr. Lagdameo said.
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https://www.bworldonline.com/property/2026/01/13/723680/developers-set-sights-on-expansion-in-2026/
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Business & Finance
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270f1993783fae2ed390d5fc860b069c5ec1c6adbb49c8c83008046075112214
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2026-01-12T16:02:05+00:00
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10 developments in WESM and renewables in 2025
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https://www.bworldonline.com/opinion/2026/01/13/723713/10-developments-in-wesm-and-renewables-in-2025/
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Business & Finance
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2271bf13969e8fd8784206e5c9a830d3b7950f1cac764b80f4b8babe79f267b5
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2026-01-12T16:01:37+00:00
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Monzon eyes stock investment loan restoration
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PHILIPPINE Stock Exchange (PSE) President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ramon S. Monzon said he is in talks with the country’s primary social insurance providers to revive the stock investment loan program, potentially linking it to the personal equity and retirement account (PERA) to increase participation in the market. “I talked to the SSS (Social Security System) and GSIS (Government Service Insurance System). I’m trying to convince them to restore the stock investment loan,” he told reporters on Friday last week. “The way it was structured before was if you bought shares, you had to buy them in the name of SSS,” he said. Mr. Monzon was referring to the SSS past program called the Stock Investment Loan Program (SILP), where members borrowed funds to buy company stocks. Today, SILP mainly involves the Option to Sell Shares of Stocks Program, where members with unpaid SILP or Privatization Fund Loan Program (PFLP) balances sell shares through SSS-accredited brokers to clear debts. “We’re trying to see what’s good. We’re trying to see if we can tie this up with PERA, right? You take out a stock loan and put it in PERA,” he added. PERA is a voluntary retirement savings program that supplements benefits from the SSS, GSIS, and employer-provided plans. Mr. Monzon described it as beneficial for workers. “We should be pushing all companies to institute PERA for their employees,” he said. “We will be doing that in our next board meeting — I’ll try to get approval for that. It’s good for the employees,” he added. PERA contributions in the country surged 24% year on year to P491.4 million by end-2024, up from P396.3 million in 2023, according to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) data. The number of contributors grew 6.4% to 5,912, with employee contributions dominating at 69.5%, followed by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and the self-employed. In September 2023, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued Memorandum Circular No. 14, expanding eligible PERA administrators to include securities brokers, investment houses, and fund managers. DragonFi became the first PERA administrator accredited under this framework in January last year. Mr. Monzon noted that the program could benefit both employers and employees, particularly under the Capital Markets Efficiency Promotion Act (CMEPA). “CMEPA has made it a game changer. Actually, PERA is very good for companies that have 200 or 300 employees because it is affordable,” he said. He also cited DragonFi’s co-founder and CEO’s presentation on PERA growth compounding at 6%, matching yields from real estate investment trusts (REITs) and preferred stocks, as a compelling reason for employees. “It became very attractive to us because of that CMEPA,” he said. “PERA is good for the employees. It is a retention tool and also beneficial for the market,” Mr. Monzon added. According to DragonFi, a PERA investor contributing P50,000 annually over 30 years could potentially earn P356,000 per year from dividends, assuming an average dividend yield of 5% per year and annual capital appreciation of 3%. With PERA, DragonFi said Filipinos could invest in a variety of financial products, including stocks, REITs, and unit investment trust funds (UITFs). — Alexandria Grace C. Magno
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https://www.bworldonline.com/corporate/2026/01/13/723760/monzon-eyes-stock-investment-loan-restoration/
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Business & Finance
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699f675cea6d7aca77a0589df8267b7b675c9669cca26fc81c5a6e8220ca90f6
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2026-01-12T16:01:31+00:00
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Peso slips vs dollar as markets eye Fed policy path
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THE PESO slipped against the dollar on Monday as markets keep a close eye on the US Federal Reserve, with data showing it could keep rates steady but with fresh attacks by US President Donald J. Trump on Fed Chair Jerome H. Powell threatening its independence. The local unit closed at P59.26 versus the greenback, declining by 1.5 centavos from its P59.245 finish on Friday, data from the Bankers Association of the Philippines data showed. The peso opened Monday’s trading session slightly stronger at P59.22 versus the dollar. Its intraday best was at P59.17, while its weakest showing was at P59.28 against the greenback. Dollars traded fell to $887.3 million from $1.23 billion on Friday. “The local currency continued to weaken after the latest US labor reports broadly narrowed the probability of a US rate cut,” a trader said in an e-mail. The Bureau of Labor Statistics monthly report showed 50,000 workers were added to nonfarm payrolls in December, compared with expectations in a Reuters poll for a rise of 60,000, just above November’s downwardly revised increase of 56,000. The unemployment rate eased, as expected, to 4.4%. Threats to the Fed’s independence and geopolitical concerns also affected foreign exchange markets, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said in a Viber message. For Tuesday, the trader said the peso could depreciate further as US consumer inflation is expected to remain steady for December, which could solidify views that the Fed will hold borrowing costs steady this month. The trader sees the peso moving between P59.10 and P59.35 per dollar on Tuesday, while Mr. Ricafort expects it to range from P59.15 to P59.35. The dollar on Monday fell sharply against the euro and the Swiss franc while edging lower versus the Japanese yen after the Trump administration threatened Mr. Powell with a criminal indictment, a move that could endanger the greenback’s safe-haven status. The dollar index, which measures the greenback’s strength against a basket of six currencies, was recently 0.37% lower at 98.759, snapping a five-day winning streak. Some analysts said markets had not yet panicked because they expect Mr. Trump to appoint a credible successor to Mr. Powell and let that person steer policy. The Swiss franc was the best performer on Monday, rising 0.52% to 0.7968 against the dollar, while the euro continued to benefit as US politics triggered a sell-off in American assets. The single currency rose 0.44% to 1.1688 in its biggest daily rise since Dec. 10. The dollar advanced in early Asian trade to a one-month high after Friday’s jobs report bolstered expectations that the Federal Reserve will hold interest rates steady later this month, while reports of hundreds of deaths during protests in Iran heightened geopolitical tensions and stoked demand for safe-haven assets. Against the yen, the US dollar was recently 0.1% weaker at 157.80 yen, not far from its highest point in a year. Geopolitical tensions in Iran “should be positive for the US dollar but we haven’t seen any upside there yet,” said Kyle Rodda, senior market analyst at Capital.com in Melbourne. “The question from here is whether the momentum behind the protest movement continues and whether the regime cracks down even harder, opening the door to some US involvement.” Mr. Trump said the US might meet Iranian officials and was in contact with the opposition, as he weighed a range of responses including military options. Financial markets are preparing for a busy data calendar this week, with Tuesday’s release of the US consumer price index for December providing one of the last key economic releases before the Fed’s next monetary policy meeting at the end of January. A ruling from the US Supreme Court on the legality of Mr. Trump’s emergency tariffs could also be released as soon as Wednesday. The US Treasury has more than adequate funds to pay any tariff refunds ordered if the Supreme Court rules against Trump’s emergency tariffs, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Friday. — A.M.C. Sy with Reuters
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https://www.bworldonline.com/banking-finance/2026/01/13/723740/peso-slips-vs-dollar-as-markets-eye-fed-policy-path/
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Business & Finance
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23f940a3aa520e7c5e294353dacfce284c0fb766f2b0c32868892482605e7076
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2026-01-12T16:01:06+00:00
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Masterplanned golf course communities: Landscapes of play, stewardship, and community
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https://www.bworldonline.com/property/2026/01/13/723681/masterplanned-golf-course-communities-landscapes-of-play-stewardship-and-community/
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Business & Finance
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08e1ffbf6beeb8d2fb9758523a65afdedffdf849756c9632d579c8f1949da161
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2026-01-12T16:01:04+00:00
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A new way to think about power
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https://www.bworldonline.com/opinion/2026/01/13/723712/a-new-way-to-think-about-power/
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Business & Finance
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b70a70378303fe55511257ac9dbd7f3cfab055690b82211b575d883f4ca82408
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2026-01-12T13:00:11+00:00
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PSEi soars to 6,400 level on BSP rate cut hopes
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THE MAIN INDEX soared to the 6,400 level on Monday to hit a near six-month high amid growing hopes for another rate cut from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) next month. The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) surged by 1.13% or 71.82 points to end at 6,419.96, while the broader all shares index increased by 0.94% or 34.13 points to 3,641.13. This was the PSEi’s best finish in nearly six months or since it closed at 6,444.16 on July 24. “Philippine equities have officially risen back to index levels seen prior to the flood control fiasco, driven by the dovish tone sung by the BSP chief, hinting at a high chance of a 25-basis-point (bp) cut this upcoming February meeting,” AP Securities, Inc. said in a market note. Last week, BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. said a cut remains on the table at the Monetary Board’s Feb. 19 meeting, even as he noted that the policy rate is already “very close” to where they want it to be, signaling an imminent end to their easing cycle. The Monetary Board has lowered benchmark borrowing costs by a total of 200 bps since its rate cut cycle began in August 2024. In 2025 alone, it delivered a cumulative 125 bps in cuts for five straight meetings to bring the key rate to an over three-year low of 4.5%. “The PSEi ended in the green, supported by sustained buying momentum throughout the session. Market sentiment further improved following Nomura’s forecast that the BSP could possibly deliver 25-bp rate cuts in both February and April,” Regina Capital Development Corp. Head of Sales Luis A. Limlingan said in a Viber message. “Expectations of a more accommodative policy stance further encouraged risk-taking among investors,” he said. Nomura Global Markets Research said in a Jan. 9 report that the BSP may ease its policy stance further this year as the corruption scandal may continue to dampen government spending and economic growth. Nomura Chief ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Economist Euben Paracuelles and Macroeconomic Research Analyst Yiru Chen said the BSP could deliver one 25-bp cut each at its February and April meetings. All sectoral indices closed higher on Monday. Mining and oil surged by 5% or 815.87 points to 17,116.43; financials increased by 2.13% or 45.62 points to 2,179.17; property went up by 1.87% or 43.28 points to 2,347.21; industrials climbed by 0.81% or 73.53 points to 9,139.77; holding firms jumped by 0.7% or 34.99 points to 5,026.91; and services increased by 0.33% or 8.53 points to 2,563.17. Advancers outnumbered decliners, 142 to 80, while 53 names closed unchanged. Value turnover went up to P6.64 billion on Monday with 1.02 billion shares traded from the P6.11 billion with 1.57 billion issues that changed hands on Friday. Net foreign buying increased to P534.17 million from P320.68 million. — Alexandria Grace C. Magno
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https://www.bworldonline.com/stock-market/2026/01/12/723751/psei-soars-to-6400-level-on-bsp-rate-cut-hopes/
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Business & Finance
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3157f62cfa8f1090792bd42c7c7cd622eb835127f92ba9c817685f6949a0038c
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2026-01-13T01:14:49+00:00
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CNBC Daily Open: Powell probe rattles Washington, but Wall Street shrugs
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Former Fed Chair and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said she was "surprised the market isn't more concerned."
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https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/13/cnbc-daily-open-powell-probe-rattles-washington-but-wall-street-shrugs.html
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Business & Finance
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svg
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07823555fa51c475823c95158ea1a5b1a88a39e7170c9cdce0ea6af7c6a0fb1b
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2026-01-12T06:44:05+00:00
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What a U.S. intervention in Iran could look like as Trump weighs options
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The unrest in Iran, which started in late December over soaring prices and the collapse of Iran's currency, has intensified and morphed into wider antigovernment protests.
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https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/12/iran-trump-military-intervention-strikes-venezuela-islamic-protests.html
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Business & Finance
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7f8f2886e5e8e1ba59b3f535e16bab50b48418a7a117ebdae2f2bc2cad270c48
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2026-01-12T07:07:47+00:00
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What Trump’s Venezuela intervention means for Guyana’s vast oil wealth
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Venezuela's Maduro had adopted an increasingly aggressive stance toward the disputed Essequibo region in recent years.
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https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/12/oil-trump-venezuela-guyana-essequibo-territorial-dispute.html
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Business & Finance
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e7437af5a925326b99fb31ca09432181ee241971c9c6c9538a9b122ee3bb06b6
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2026-01-12T05:33:07+00:00
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China's AI and robotics push isn't enough to kickstart its economy, leaving growth more exposed to trade risks
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New tech sectors still account for a far smaller portion of China's economy than the gap left by the real estate slump.
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https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/12/china-ai-robotics-tech-push-property-slump-trade-risk-rhodium-kkr.html
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Business & Finance
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67ba729d6bf10bd99ed299f5b1cf92c1987023ea988a27770cbd40eef5a2d385
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2026-01-12T07:55:33+00:00
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World's most vital oil chokepoint back in focus amid possible U.S. action against Iran
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In an extreme escalation scenario, where tankers are unable to pass or energy infrastructure is damaged, oil prices could surge by double digits, said analysts.
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https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/12/strait-of-hormuz-back-in-focus-amid-possible-us-intervention-in-iran.html
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Business & Finance
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5f46a1adfcb7c7f711e7bb0c35b549d5db6b0e8966f7d95675538e69f3338380
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2026-01-12T11:43:48+00:00
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India inflation accelerates to 1.33% in December, driven by higher food prices
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India's inflation accelerated in December, but still rose less than expected.
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https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/12/india-december-inflation-nominal-gdp-growth-rbi-outlook.html
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Business & Finance
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e7de2deeae262f69772381a3368048ef83f769b32195bae292060ca37510843a
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2026-01-11T14:15:01+00:00
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Why 'slow travel' is about to be 2026's biggest vacation trend
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Americans are searching for slow travel options like staying at farm, booking "reading trips," and visiting under-the-radar cities.
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https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/11/2026-travel-trends-farm-stays-reading-trips-hidden-gems-in-the-us.html
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Business & Finance
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b37f71a8aa6702c2b5a1a26258682b440c4e59989dd824ee6582f46390cbe106
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2026-01-12T08:41:24+00:00
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Gold smashes new record of $4,600 as Powell probe and global flashpoints ignite safe-haven rush
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Spot gold advanced higher to hit over $4,600 an ounce for the first time.
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https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/12/gold-record-haven-powell-venezuela-iran.html
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Business & Finance
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svg
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8d8c583df8a6b1205fab9e42d477c419ac67e96cbaf60966abbb390f2c9bdb60
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2026-01-12T07:32:57+00:00
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Why most Greenlanders favor a future without Trump — or Denmark
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"Greenland never has been for sale and never will be for sale," Aaja Chemnitz, one of two MPs in the Danish parliament representing Greenland, told CNBC.
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https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/12/greenland-independence-denmark-trump-military-operation.html
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Business & Finance
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819e87eeaeedc6285fc22377217f5180b10aafa38327c0394b02fa19e87adaf8
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2026-01-11T03:47:34+00:00
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CNBC's Becky Quick details daughter's rare disease journey
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CNBC "Squawk Box" anchor Becky Quick details her daughter's rare disease journey, and explains why it inspired her to launch CNBC Cures.
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https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/08/cnbcs-becky-quick-details-daughters-rare-disease-journey.html
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Business & Finance
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svg
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3d1d96f01e8182019939e3949c5f363210e0760c304d865e5fdfbf1fbc25f062
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2026-01-12T03:48:08+00:00
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Japan plans to dissolve parliament with possible snap election in February: NHK
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The snap election, if called in Feburary, would be just about five months into Takaichi's term as prime minister.
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https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/12/japan-snap-election-sanae-takaichi-ldp-cdp-jip-komeito.html
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Business & Finance
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eb03c4a17c4e50da17a3798e1f7c5412f23d5220ddbfc43a94cb2dfbe6a77b1d
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2026-01-12T07:34:01+00:00
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CNBC Daily Open: Iran has more avenues of retaliating against the U.S. — including oil supply
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White House officials have shown Trump plans on how he can carry through with his threat to intervene in Iran, according to media reports.
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https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/12/cnbc-daily-open-iran-has-more-avenues-of-retaliating-against-the-us-including-oil-supply.html
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Business & Finance
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b6803699cc64d8b19717ebcbec8d92605fd9c5b673e8ed9e06f89d53af40d269
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2026-01-12T08:26:38+00:00
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South Korea's Kospi closes at a record high as Asia-Pacific markets rise
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Investors will be keeping an eye on oil prices as protests continue in Iran and U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly is weighing options to intervene.
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https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/12/asia-pacific-markets-crude-wti-oil-iran-protests-hang-seng-index-csi-300-kospi.html
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Business & Finance
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b5026b6c30392fb421e0bfa32fcaa0e3c8cc5df7f70a43251dc963c88472b43e
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2026-01-11T20:17:04+00:00
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Trump is weighing options against Iran: Reports
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Iran has said it will retaliate if the U.S. intervenes amid political unrest in the Middle East country.
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https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/11/trump-iran.html
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Business & Finance
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e010788189d9299c406e2e4f3713a78e9cffbd79f6e7284ccf7634626ad46a6d
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2026-01-12T17:31:00+00:00
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2 stocks to buy before they bounce back in 2026?
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The best time to buy stocks is when they’re cheap. But investors need to be careful with this – without a reason for things to change, shares can stay out of favour for a long time. Right now, though, I think there are stocks that have struggled recently where clear signs of tangible improvement are starting to emerge. And this is where I’m looking for opportunities. One of the major forces that I expect to influence the stock market in 2026 is the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) in the US. And there are a few major moves on the way. Consumer spending makes up around 70% of the US economy. And the OBBBA is set to make lower tax rates permanent, while introducing higher standard deductions for households. In agriculture, the bill strengthens revenue protections that subsidise farmers when crop prices fall below certain levels. It also offers more support with crop insurance premiums. The OBBBA is also significant for other industries, including semiconductors, car production, and healthcare. But in terms of stocks, I’m focusing on consumer spending and agriculture. US households having more money could be a very good thing for Diageo (LSE:DGE). The FTSE 100 firm has struggled with US sales recently, but its competitive position is still strong. The big question for investors is why revenues have been struggling. Is it because household budgets have been under pressure, or is there a more durable shift in preferences going on? My view is that at least part of the issue has been a temporary downturn. But the way to get a clearer sense of this is by keeping an eye on volumes at US wholesalers during the year. If this starts to improve, a recovery could be on the way. And while Diageo is trading at some of its lowest levels in the last 10 years, I think it’s well worth considering. Farming is a notoriously cyclical industry. And that means tractor company CNH Industrial (NYSE:CNH) is well used to seeing its revenues fluctuate from one year to another. Weak crop prices have meant lower investment in new equipment recently. But the OBBA is set to give farmers – especially ones with larger operations – more revenue certainty in future. That might well incentivise investment in new machinery and I expect CNH to benefit if it does. That’s why I’ve been buying the stock recently at a 30% discount to its 52-week highs. The risk of fluctuating crop prices won’t go away entirely. But the time to look at this type of stock is when it’s in a downturn – and I think there are signs a recovery could be on the way. From a long-term perspective, the best time to buy shares is when they’re undervalued. And with companies like Diageo and CNH, their share prices move in relatively obvious cycles. The question is when a potential recovery might take place – and there’s a cost to being early. But in both cases, I think there are positive signs on the horizon in the next few months. That’s why I think both are worth considering for investors looking for opportunities. If I’m right, though, they aren’t going to be around forever. The post 2 stocks to buy before they bounce back 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 Diageo plc made the list? More reading Stephen Wright has positions in CNH Industrial and Diageo Plc. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Diageo 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.
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https://www.fool.co.uk/2026/01/12/2-stocks-to-buy-before-they-bounce-back-in-2026/
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Business & Finance
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9a8cf8d32c2296a27f42ee85d2aeedb665c937634f99a2b7449e1dfe007412ff
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2026-01-12T16:56:00+00:00
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1 of the FTSE 100’s best bargains to consider for 2026!
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The FTSE 100‘s enjoyed an electrifying year of gains, yet remains packed with brilliant bargains. Barratt Redrow (LSE:BTRW) is one that caught my eye this January. With low earnings multiples and price-to-book (P/B) ratios, and enormous dividend yields, I think it could be too cheap to miss. Wanna know why? Read on. Housebuilder Barratt has had several tough years, as higher interest rates have hammered demand for new homes. But profits are tipped to rebound from 2026, chiefly as the Bank of England is expected to keep reducing its lending benchmark. This means Barratt shares trade on a price-to-earnings growth (PEG) ratio of 0.1 for this year. Any reading below 1 suggests a share’s undervalued relative to expected earnings growth. Furthermore, the builder’s PEG readings remain around rock-bottom levels, at 0.4 for both 2027 and 2028. I’m not surprised by City analysts’ bright earnings forecasts (they’re tipping growth of 98% for this year). Interest rates are falling, as I say, but that’s only one part of the story. Accelerating competition in the mortgage market is also helping homes demand to ignite once again. Moneyfacts says that “expectations are high for a booming market in 2026“. It follows news that mortgage product choice has hit its highest level since 2007, with 7,158 options now on the market. With challenger banks ramping up their attacks on traditional banks and building societies, pent-up housing demand is steadily being unlocked. Barratt Redrow is the UK’s largest housebuilder, and is therefore in the box seat to capitalise on resurgent homes demand. It’s planning to build between 17,200 and 17,800 homes this financial year, and to eventually ramp this up to 22,000 a year over the medium term. Of course there are risks to these targets. A prolonged downturn in the UK economy, accompanied by rising unemployment could impact any sales recovery. So might returning inflationary pressures that could limit future interest rate cuts. But on balance, I think Barratt’s worth serious consideration, and especially with its share price at current levels. It looks cheap based on expected earnings, as I’ve shown, while its P/B ratio is also mega low. This sits below the value threshold of 1 as well, at 0.7. A FTSE 100-beating dividend yield of 4.2% for 2026, and which rises to 4.7% and 6.2% for 2027 and 2028 respectively, sweetens the investment case. I own Barratt Redrow shares in my own portfolio, along with other major housebuilders Persimmon and Taylor Wimpey. I’ve clung onto them despite the pressures of the past years, and plan to keep them long into the future. With a packed land bank — at 100,000 plots, or 6.2 years of supply — this FTSE 100 company’s well placed in my opinion to capitalise on the UK’s booming population. I expect it to deliver solid returns over the coming decade. The post 1 of the FTSE 100’s best bargains to consider for 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 Barratt Redrow made the list? More reading Royston Wild has positions in Barratt Redrow, Persimmon Plc, and Taylor Wimpey Plc. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Barratt Redrow and Persimmon 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.
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https://www.fool.co.uk/2026/01/12/1-of-the-ftse-100s-best-bargains-to-consider-for-2026/
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Business & Finance
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685150ad6164e3df39df173fd4a05fd107c4dd1b2553029f2158bad43c36857f
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2026-01-12T16:53:00+00:00
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I’ve bought this 6.6%-yielding FTSE 250 share, hoping for a 2026 price recovery
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Recently, I added FTSE 250 share Pets at Home (LSE: PETS) to my portfolio for the first time. At 6.6%, the dividend yield certainly attracted me. But my main hope is that the Pets at Home share price will grow, having declined by 51% over the past five years. In the stock market, what goes down does not necessarily have to come up again. Meanwhile, no dividend is ever guaranteed to last – and Pets at Home’s interim dividend for the current financial year was flat. So, could this be a long-term FTSE 250 recovery play? Or might it turn out to be a value trap? Obviously I am hoping for the former, but any serious investor always tries to look at both the good and the bad in an investment case. There is no shortage of evidence that the UK retail sector faces a tough operating environment. That includes Pets at Home. While the market for pet food, equipment, and the like may be fairly resilient, it is not rock solid. In a weak economy, some people will feel less inclined to take on the extra costs of having a furry friend. Still, the market is large and Pets at Home is well-established, with a sizeable customer base. The first half of the current financial year saw the company’s retail revenues decline 2% year on year, which is not good. But they still came in at £680m, underlining the company’s economies of scale and sizeable existing business. I think that could form a strong foundation for recovery. While its shops may be better known, there is another part to Pets at Home’s business: vet services. This is in growth mode, with revenues up 7% in the first half to £376m. This is a growing, profitable business with pricing power. After all, pet owners want to take care of their animals and will typically pay the price to do so when they need to, even through gritted teeth. Over the long term, I see ongoing potential for Pets at Home to keep growing the lucrative vet services business. That could help grow the FTSE 250 company’s earnings and hopefully with it the share price. Still, as the tumbling share price suggests, all has not been well for the business. The company has said it believes the root cause of its recent sales challenges is product-related. If it can revamp its product offering to give customers and potential customers what they want at a price they find acceptable, I am optimistic the retail business can recover. But there is a risk that the company could make further bad choices about its product offering in future, hurting revenues. Another risk is rising staffing costs. Pets at Home reckons it has taken a £48m rise in National Insurance contributions and National Living Wage rises over the past three years. If additional costs keep mounting up, that is a risk to profitability. But despite the challenges facing the FTSE 250 firm, I still like the fundamentals. The end market is large and fairly robust. The company has a large customer base and loyalty scheme, it has a good network of shops and the vet practice division is in growth mode. The post I’ve bought this 6.6%-yielding FTSE 250 share, hoping for a 2026 price recovery 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 Pets At Home Group Plc made the list? More reading C Ruane has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Pets At Home Group 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.
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https://www.fool.co.uk/2026/01/12/i-bought-this-6-6-yielding-ftse-250-share-hoping-for-a-2026-price-recovery/
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Business & Finance
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2fcb146f2e6f3e638796a31937821498f311f252c8880e3c497ee8b54ba13f09
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2026-01-12T16:53:00+00:00
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On a P/E ratio of just 3, is this penny stock a deep bargain?
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Say “penny stock” and the first thing that comes to mind for some investors may be a loss-making company with no revenue but rights to mine in some far-flung locale. In reality, penny stocks come in all shapes. Take Logistics Development Group (LSE: LDG) for example. It is solidly profitable. In fact, last year’s net profit of £19m means the company’s current price-to-earnings ratio is just three. The company owns stakes in a number of well-established businesses, such as Finsbury Food Group and Alliance Pharma. So, could this be the deep bargain its P/E ratio may seem to suggest? For starters, it is worth noting that the earnings have moved around dramatically in recent years. Last year’s earnings are not necessarily at all indicative of what may happen in future. But looking at another valuation metric, the penny stock also seems very cheap. Its last update on its net asset value, at the end of September, stood at 26.7p per share. That may have moved up or down since then. Hopefully it has gone up given management’s focus on value creation: that September net asset value was already 9% higher than the previous one just six months earlier. But, using the September figure, that net asset value is close to double the current Logistics Development Group share price. Why is there such a big discount? One reason is the City seems lukewarm about the firm’s strategy of owning stakes in a small number of private companies then hanging onto them for years without paying dividends. But that reminds me of the approach of some very successful wealth creators, such as Warren Buffett. However, I see this as a stock where Buffett-like patience is not only desirable but possibly essential. I reckon Logistics Development Group is creating value over the long term but is in no hurry to sell its stakes, or pay dividends. That might explain why the share price is drifting. Over the past year, the company has used up much of a chunky cash pile. Part went to investing in a new national logistics platform. I see that as a promising business opportunity. Some of the cash also funded a tender offer in which the firm bought back some of its own shares well above their market price when the offer was announced. I sold my shares at that time and made a profit. Since then I have bought more of this penny stock for my portfolio. But while the business has clear value – as shown by the net asset value – that value is basically locked up in a portfolio of investments for now. That could mean that there is no clear reason to expect the share price valuation gap to close in the short term. I am a long-term investor, though, and from a long-term perspective I think this penny stock looks badly undervalued. There are risks due to the concentration of investment in just a few private companies. One bad choice could significantly hurt the firm’s performance. But I think time will help bring the share price closer to what it is actually worth. I therefore plan to hold onto this share for the foreseeable future. The post On a P/E ratio of just 3, is this penny stock a deep bargain? 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 Logistics Development Group made the list? More reading C Ruane has positions in Logistics Development Group Plc. 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.
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https://www.fool.co.uk/2026/01/12/on-a-p-e-ratio-of-3-is-this-penny-stock-a-deep-bargain/
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Business & Finance
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8a15348a5ecc21edd586610f0dff87f98ae6b4c66c5fef3880f87271a0156c3a
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2026-01-12T16:45:00+00:00
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A once-in-a-decade chance to buy these UK income shares cheap?
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I rate Taylor Wimpey (LSE: TW.) as one of the FTSE 100‘s best long-term income shares. But the past 10 years have been shocking for the share price, sending it down more than 40%. It’s all been due to high interest rates and expensive mortgages putting pressure on the whole property sector, following the big pandemic hit. But we’re looking at a fat forecast 8.6% dividend yield now. The business itself looks to be in good health. And I reckon 2026 could mark the best opportunity in a decade to consider getting back into Taylor Wimpey and other building stocks. The company did shave a little off the interim dividend with first-half results, dropping it to 4.67p from 4.8p the previous year. And analyst forecasts don’t show earnings getting back to covering the dividend until 2027 — and then only just. But the company’s policy is to pay out 7.5% of net assets, or at least £250m annually. So it’s not directly tied to earnings — and the balance sheet carried net cash of £327m at the halfway stage. Forecasts show dividends pretty much stable — up and down a tiny bit — over the next three years. Taylor Wimpey also continues to stress “confidence in our capital allocation policy which prioritises balance sheet strength, investment in the business to support growth across the cycle and a reliable dividend for shareholders“. So, cyclical ups and downs, but prioritising a steady dividend. That’s how I read the company’s longer-term outlook, and it places it firmly among my picks for FTSE 100 income shares. Taylor Wimpey is due to post a trading update Thursday (15 January). We might not get any dividend news. But trends in completions and reservations, together with selling prices, should give us a clue how the sector is doing. October’s update reckoned the company was on for 10,400-10,800 UK completions, and operating profit around £424m. Improvements on those would be very welcome — fingers crossed we’re nearing a pivot point. We might get an early hint Tuesday (13 January), when Persimmon is also set for a trading update, with a 4.3% dividend yield on the cards. That’s lower than Taylor Wimpey’s but forecast earnings should cover it comfortably enough over the next few years. So, maybe there’s a lower short-term yield but more safety from Persimmon? November’s Q3 update from Persimmon revealed a 15% rise in forward sales. And that does hint at warming sentiment in the property market. CEO Dean Finch did, though, remind us of “the current macroeconomic environment and the short-term challenges facing our industry“. I still expect economic pressures to bear on house builders for a while longer. And Taylor Wimpey’s forecast earnings failing to match the projected dividends in the next couple of years do make me a bit nervous. But I can only see good coming from the sector in the long term. And I’m definitely considering a Taylor Wimpey buy — or maybe even a Persimmon top-up. 2026 could be the year for housebuilders. The post A once-in-a-decade chance to buy these UK income shares cheap? 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 Taylor Wimpey Plc made the list? More reading Alan Oscroft has positions in Persimmon Plc. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Persimmon 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.
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https://www.fool.co.uk/2026/01/12/a-once-in-a-decade-chance-to-buy-these-uk-income-shares-cheap/
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Business & Finance
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c4d09e29ac777768a5ce4c043a94c79dacf4bc750dcbd5b8bd2e7f594dab015b
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2026-01-12T16:20:00+00:00
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Up 9.9%! Here’s why Oxford Nanopore stock topped the FTSE 250 today
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Shareholders in Oxford Nanopore Technologies (LSE:ONT) were having a good day today (12 January), with the stock rising to the top of the daily FTSE 250 performance charts. As I write mid-afternoon, it’s up 9.9% while the wider mid-cap index is down 0.2%. Let’s take a closer look at Oxford Nanopore to see whether the news behind today’s rise makes me want to invest. For those wondering what this quirkily named business is, it’s a biotech specialising in DNA and RNA sequencing. Its novel technology works by passing an electric current through a tiny hole called a ‘nanopore’ in a membrane (hence the Oxford-based firm’s name). This enables researchers to read the molecular code. The company listed in late 2021, but the share price has fallen around 74% since then. That’s largely because it’s still posting losses, which turns off a lot of investors, especially when decent risk-free and low-risk returns can be made from cash and gilts. Nevertheless, after today’s jump, the stock is up by an impressive 20% year to date. So, the market’s quickly starting to re-assess the company’s growth prospects. The reason for today’s rise relates to Oxford Nanopore’s trading update for 2025. For the full year, the group expects to report revenue of approximately £223m-£224m, representing robust year-on-year growth of 24% at constant currency. This was slightly ahead of its previous guidance range of 20%-23%. More impressively, this is significantly faster growth than the wider life sciences tool industry, which has hit a bit of a speedbump in recent years. Impressively, growth of 20%+ came from all regions (Americas, Asia Pacific, and Europe, Middle East, Africa, and India). All segments contributed, including Clinical (up around 60%), followed by BioPharma (+30%), Applied Industrial (+27%), and Research (+15%). The firm said growth was driven by its PromethION range, which grew by more than 40% on a reported basis. The PromethION is its high-throughput benchtop sequencing system. Its other MinION devices are portable, pocket-sized sequencers about the size of a mobile phone. I’m on the lookout for my first stock purchase of 2026. Does Oxford Nanopore fit the bill? Well, the firm said it made progress on its path towards profitability. It expects to reach breakeven on an adjusted EBITDA basis next year, then turn cash flow positive in 2028. Of course, loss-making companies like this add risk for investors because the business model hasn’t been tried and tested. If something happens to delay Oxford Nanopore’s progress, more cash might need to be raised, potentially diluting existing shareholders. However, with such strong revenue growth and £302m in cash and equivalents, the path towards profitability looks clearer today than it ever has. In theory, Oxford Nanopore could become a very profitable business in future, as it operates a classic ‘razor-and-blade’ model. This is where its innovative sequencing devices (the ‘razors’) open the door to high-margin revenue from consumables (the ‘blades’). The market tends to place a premium on this type of recurring revenue, which could sustain its price-to-sales multiple of 7. Adventurous growth investors might want to consider the stock. For me though, I’ll wait until Oxford Nanopore reports final results in March to hear more about its path to profitability. The post Up 9.9%! Here’s why Oxford Nanopore stock topped the FTSE 250 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 Oxford Nanopore Technologies Limited made the list? More reading Ben McPoland 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.
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https://www.fool.co.uk/2026/01/12/up-9-5-heres-why-oxford-nanopore-stock-topped-the-ftse-250-today/
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Business & Finance
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be0f65223e04edfd644cc2ff6cb299c33c0ac8cbc48484438d3a65311b198cac
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2026-01-12T16:19:00+00:00
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Tesla stock’s defied gravity before. Can it do it again?
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Worries about sales volumes. Concerns about costs. Doubts about product launch timelines. A worsening competitive environment. Are those the factors weighing on Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) today? Or the ones that weighed on it five years ago, since when Tesla stock has gone up 62%? The answer is: both. Tesla has long attracted sceptics when it comes to the stock price valuation. But it commands a $1.4trn market capitalisation. That is 298 times earnings, which to many investors may look like an unjustifiable valuation. But Tesla has confounded stock market critics in the past – might it be able to do so again? As I see it, different people are valuing Tesla using alternative approaches. One is to look at it as a car company, with a much smaller but growing power generation and storage division bolted on. With a large customer base, sizeable distribution network, and proven business model, the car business is certainly worth something. But is it worth $1.4trn? General Motors has a market cap of $77bn. Electric vehicle rival BYD has a market cap around $120bn. So, even allowing for the worth of the power business, Tesla’s valuation looks crazy to me when considering primarily its car business. That is especially so when accounting for risks such as growing competition from the likes of BYD and the end of buyer tax incentives in the US. But there is an alternative approach to viewing Tesla. In that approach – and it explains much of the Tesla stock price in my view – the car business is just the beginning. By building on it, Tesla can expand into self-driving taxis, robotics, and perhaps other business areas too. That could see revenues soar. I see a big gap between what Tesla is worth as a car company and what it could be worth if it expands into other areas at scale. It has a track record of fast growth and scaling up, achieving results that many cynics doubt it will do. That helps burnish the case for Tesla’s potential when it comes to things like robotics. Now, this is a common dilemma for an investor and not just when it comes to Tesla. Should we value a company based on what it is worth today, or what is worth based on certain assumptions about future performance? When investing, I definitely do consider a company’s likely future prospects. But trying to assess how a business might perform in future can be very difficult to do with a high level of confidence. Based on its proven ability to build businesses, I am willing to give Tesla some benefit of the doubt about the likelihood of it achieving its ambitions. But even so, a $1.4trn market capitalisation offers me no margin of safety if Tesla’s future performance undershoots some expectations. Tesla stock has soared in the past as if disconnected from current business performance – and I reckon it could so again in future. But given the disconnection I see between business value and share price, it could also crash. I will not be investing. The post Tesla stock’s defied gravity before. Can it do it again? 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 Tesla made the list? More reading C Ruane has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Tesla. 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.
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https://www.fool.co.uk/2026/01/12/tesla-stocks-defied-gravity-before-can-it-do-it-again/
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Business & Finance
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69bc812b243c2de0d2567a778fe256857375ddcad934c8412d9d9dbbb26da394
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2026-01-12T16:01:00+00:00
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As Greggs’ share price dives, is this a once-in-a-decade opportunity?
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Over the last year, Greggs‘ (LSE:GRG) share price has crumbled roughly 20%. It plummeted again last week (8 January) after it said full-year profits are unlikely to grow in 2026. At £16.57 per share, Greggs shares remain higher than November’s multi-year lows of £14.18. But from an historical perspective they still look dirt cheap. Indeed, the FTSE 250 company’s forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is 12.7 times. To illustrate how low this is, the 10-year average sits miles above this at 12.7 times. Is this a top dip-buying opportunity for investors? Let’s take a look. Market confidence in Greggs remains at rock bottom, and last week’s update sent its shares crashing again. Like-for-like sales growth in company-managed shops dropped to 2.4% last year, it said. By comparison, corresponding revenues increased 5.5% in 2024. The year before that, like-for-like growth was 13.7%. Growth is halving every year, leading to speculation we’ve hit ‘Peak Greggs.’ Like other retailers, the baker’s troubles reflect weak consumer spending that’s impacting wider retail. A murky outlook for the UK economy suggest shoppers will keep the purse strings firmly tightened. But this is only part of the story. Other major fast-food vendors are also rapidly expanding, putting further pressure on Greggs’ once-captivating growth story. But are things as bad as Greggs’ share price collapse suggests? I’m not convinced. Things are clearly tough, but it remains a heavyweight player in an ultra competitive industry. According to chief executive Roisin Currie last week, the retailer “outperformed the wider market and increased its market share of visits” in 2025. Helped by these share gains, like-for-like sales growth at Greggs’ managed shops accelerated to 2.9% in Q4 from the previous three months. In fact, they were almost double the 1.5% recorded in Q3. I’m not expecting the company to stage a stunning sales recovery yet. Greggs itself has warned it expects “consumer confidence to remain a market headwind in the year ahead“, which — combined with costs associated with new supply chain capacity — means it’s anticipating zero profits growth in 2026. But I think Greggs could still spring a sales surprise, pulling its share price higher. Even slight signs of good news could prompt a pickup in buying activity, given how cheap the company’s shares now are. I certainly remain confident Greggs shares can bounce back once consumer spending starts to improve. Plans to open another 250 shops over the next few years remain in place, taking the total to 3,000 and creating a foundation for future growth. Critically, these will be located in under-penetrated locations and places with high footfall like train stations and airports. But that’s not all. It’s also raising the number of franchised stores on its books, which are far more profitable than company-managed outlets. But it’s not all about store expansion. With further menu refreshments on the cards, and its push into digital and evening channels rolling on. Evening trading is currently Greggs’ fastest-growing part of the day. Investing in Greggs shares still comes with risk. But for investors seeking a top recovery play, I think the baker’s worth serious consideration. The post As Greggs’ share price dives, is this a once-in-a-decade opportunity? 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 Royston Wild has positions in Greggs Plc. 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.
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https://www.fool.co.uk/2026/01/12/as-greggs-share-price-dives-is-this-a-once-in-a-decade-opportunity/
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Business & Finance
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8cca722e325c8ff0154746050d0d7b3f008c1868fb79da7be7fa2290801f40c5
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2026-01-12T15:57:00+00:00
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At an all-time high, can the Rolls-Royce share price keep soaring?
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Last year was a great one for shareholders in Rolls-Royce (LSE: RR). So was the year before that. And the year before that. With the Rolls-Royce share price having hit a new all-time high today (12 January), could 2026 turn out to be another brilliant year for investors in the aerospace company – and should I join them by picking up a few shares for my portfolio? It is helpful to understand just why the Rolls-Royce share price has done so well in recent years. During the pandemic, as passenger numbers collapsed, airlines deprioritized spending money on new engines. Engine flying hours also fell, meaning there was less demand for costly engine servicing, which typically happens after a set number of flying hours. Rolls-Royce has other strings to its bow, such as power systems and defence sales. But civil aviation is key to the business. So the pandemic-era fall in passenger numbers brought the company to its knees. It bled cash, issued new shares to raise funds, and sold off some assets. But as civil aviation bounced back to life, demand for both engine sales and servicing picked up. Power systems demand continues to grow. Defence demand was already robust but has strengthened in response to the security environment of recent years. So, Rolls has had the wind in its sails when it comes to customer demand. It has also helped itself, by focusing on financial discipline and an ambitious set of targets. By consistently meeting investors’ expectations, Rolls-Royce has enabled its share price to move up by 1,120% in just five years. Does that mean it is overpriced? Not necessarily! In fact, the current Rolls-Royce share price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is 19. That is cheaper than some defence-focussed rivals like BAE Systems. The P/E ratio is based on current earnings, but Rolls-Royce forecasts that it will improve its financial performance in coming years. So the prospective P/E ratio may offer better value than is suggested by the current number. So what we are looking at here is a profitable, well-run company with a large installed user base, large contract sizes, and a plan to grow in coming years. If the firm keeps delivering the way it has over the past several years, I can see room for the Rolls-Royce share price to move up further from here — perhaps substantially, depending on how strongly the business performs. Will things go according to plan? Historically, Rolls was an inconsistent performer. Partly that was due to the swings in demand for civil aviation engines, many of them largely or wholly outside the company’s control. The pandemic and its impact on travel was one example. Terrorist attacks in 2001 were another, and even a bad recession often leads to marked falls in passenger numbers. Such events can happen at any time without notice and I see that as a risk to Rolls-Royce’s revenues and profits. The current Rolls-Royce share price does not offer me the margin of safety for that risk I would want, so I will not be investing. The post At an all-time high, can the Rolls-Royce share price keep soaring? 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 C Ruane has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has recommended BAE Systems 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.
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https://www.fool.co.uk/2026/01/12/at-an-all-time-high-can-the-rolls-royce-share-price-keep-soaring/
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Business & Finance
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582a4a567755cab257261af8060fa01c046506ea1680d2adf768319982a65d4a
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2026-01-12T15:55:00+00:00
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Prediction: analysts see a 7% dividend yield from this brilliant passive income share
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Primary Health Properties (LSE: PHP) has provided superb passive income through 28 consecutive years of dividend rises, and we’re looking at a 7% dividend yield forecast for 2026. And that should rise to 7.3% by 2027 to mark 31 years of increases, if current forecasts are accurate. What’s more, looking at earnings forecasts for the next few years, I see a decent chance for share price growth from this real estate investment trust (REIT), too. Please note that tax treatment depends on the individual circumstances of each client and may be subject to change in future. The content in this article is provided for information purposes only. It is not intended to be, neither does it constitute, any form of tax advice. The above chart shows the share price hasn’t had a great five years. But that seems largely due to the downturn in real estate sentiment among investors. With interest rates high and mortgages expensive, everything from builders to brickmakers have suffered. Has the market overreacted? I think so, and with share prices depressed, I rate 2026 as a great time to consider buying. In the case of Primary Health Properties, we’re looking at medical centres and related health establishments. They’re leased on long-term contracts, with the NHS a major client. As part of that, much of its rental income is tied to inflation. And with most of its rents backed by government, I find it hard to think of a more defensive passive income investment. The trust’s client base also helps with another thing. REIT rules mean Primary Health has to pay at least 90% of its rental profits in dividends. In any other commercial rental business, that could put the dividend at serious risk. Just think about retail centres and office buildings hit by economic downturns. This doesn’t guarantee the annual payout — no dividend ever can be guaranteed. Anything dependent on the NHS is always at the mercy of political change. Weak property prices, coupled with high loan interest, can also be a bit of a burden. And property is something that could keep some investors away for some time. But I reckon fears related to property valuations are overblown. At 30 June 2025, the company had a loan-to-value ratio of 48.6%. And its average cost of debt was a fairly modest 3.4%. Net financing costs in the half came to £25.7m, which still left a very healthy £61.9m profit before tax. At the time, CEO Mark Davies spoke of “a pivotal time for our sector“. He added: “The improving rental growth outlook and a stabilisation of our property yields at 5.25% signal that we’ve moved through a key inflexion point in the property cycle with a very encouraging outlook ahead.“ I’m also optimistic about the long-term success of Primary Health’s acquisition of Assura. In October, the Competition and Markets Authority concluded there are no competition concerns. It means the two businesses can be fully integrated. And that could save at least £9m in cost efficiencies. All in all, I think the current valuation of Primary Health Properties — with a forecast price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of under 10 — is enough to offset the property-related risk. And it could be one of the best for passive income investors to consider in 2026. The post Prediction: analysts see a 7% dividend yield from this brilliant passive income share 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 Primary Health Properties Plc made the list? More reading Alan Oscroft has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Primary Health Properties 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.
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https://www.fool.co.uk/2026/01/12/prediction-analysts-see-a-7-dividend-yield-from-this-brilliant-passive-income-share/
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Business & Finance
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svg
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a2a8b37d070414665795cb4bd2888ecf5cba57989112d504a84caeeadf32574a
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2026-01-12T20:50:41+00:00
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Tories say Zahawi peerage request turned down before defection to Reform UK
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Zahawi is the latest former Conservative MP to join Nigel Farage's party, as a Tory source claims he had approached Kemi Badenoch seeking a nomination for the Lords.
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0lxn75gw1do?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
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World & Politics
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ceb93c3a68be3e8ab3c546b8b601e7b0745f722b1884c3b3c15d7b2b816086ae
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2026-01-13T02:25:58+00:00
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Mandelson makes personal apology for continuing Epstein friendship
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The former ambassador apologises "unequivocally" for maintaining links with Epstein after 2008 conviction
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce9yv73klx5o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
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World & Politics
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6511594ac2ae39c03ad6282f2767644e384a541049c9297083d204c6b27b9510
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2026-01-12T18:20:52+00:00
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Nick Eardley: Former Tories joining Reform is not without risk for Farage
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Former Tory Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi is the latest - and most senior - figure to defect to Reform UK.
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62vnkv33x2o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
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World & Politics
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0bd56e617163d373a53a2e95ef3ffef2f9ffa31f0d585df6d832c57acb60e05b
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2026-01-13T03:34:43+00:00
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X could 'lose right to self regulate', says Starmer
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It is currently illegal to share deepfakes, but the law against creating them has not yet come into force.
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq845glnvl1o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
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World & Politics
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761cd8156e60799fd9396d51c4cbd4866ab5c70e4c4dc6fea0c15bbccc37ec66
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2026-01-12T19:38:53+00:00
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What a new law and an investigation could mean for Grok AI deepfakes
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Elon Musk's chatbot is under fire for altering images of women to remove their clothes without their consent.
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgvx88md4do?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
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World & Politics
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a531ba582de0f78aaef0b07a310a5edced97d0a395b7569eb2295d61ef34afb7
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2026-01-12T17:50:57+00:00
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UK not as ready as we need to be for conflict, says military chief
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Sir Richard Knighton refuses to confirm the existence of a £28bn shortfall in defence spending plans.
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj6wrd18zgro?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
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World & Politics
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703e76a980bc557fe87972402e639234db2ab042f48179d21b4c82a028d8b70a
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2026-01-12T17:22:25+00:00
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Labour MPs urge minister to reject Chinese mega embassy
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Nine MPs raise security concerns about the proposed site, just days before the deadline for a decision.
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdre527zymzo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
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World & Politics
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388ffc79a6a94f669b0e0a0262f0a5cf099cfc3439381b5273a977fd2fba65c0
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2026-01-12T18:32:33+00:00
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New Lord Speaker announced as Lord Michael Forsyth
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Peers had a choice between Lord Forsyth and ex-ballet dancer Baroness Deborah Bull in a vote earlier this month.
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czx107ekjdpo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
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World & Politics
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4a3453f4dd48fbd680deb9f40781248bbf19f2b74d831e4dd3046272f314d892
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2026-01-12T22:30:38+00:00
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Crackdown on illegal working leads to surge in arrests
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Raids on businesses such as nail bars and takeaways have increased by 77% since Labour took office, the government says.
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cevn4ny7wvyo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
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World & Politics
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988786b0582c26592c5cff9a3d405107ac411f26e71d3405a5cefef5236720cc
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2026-01-11T22:00:33+00:00
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UK can legally stop shadow fleet tankers, ministers believe
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Existing law could be used to approve the use of military force to stop sanction-busting ships operated by Russia and Iran.
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy8pn7jgy3no?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
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World & Politics
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0855a020413b7f32b0e7d16decb96a96c64a1b74a0402ba9501548ef64999763
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2026-01-12T09:14:40+00:00
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London homicides at 11-year low, Met Police says
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According to the latest data, there were 97 homicides in London in 2025, the lowest figure since 2014.
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy8gpvdd1go?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
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World & Politics
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3d061da7a430fd3fb4979513c61418220c5149038e0b7cdfbeed71f96f366f29
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2026-01-11T22:00:05+00:00
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Guantanamo detainee paid 'substantial' compensation by UK to settle torture complicity case
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Detained without trial in 2006, Zubaydah is one of 15 people who remain at the US military prison.
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx2gelrxxr0o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
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World & Politics
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9b6733f0b82d2582167cb94dfa6376fe0c73bb394e10de7fdafe60314275b959
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2026-01-11T11:47:09+00:00
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Epstein kept me 'separate' from his sexual side because I'm gay, Mandelson tells BBC
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In his first interview since being sacked as the UK's US ambassador, Lord Mandelson says he never saw any young women at Epstein's properties.
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https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd9el4dw0z3o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss
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World & Politics
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