Economy faces downside risks – StanChartIn an economic outlook briefing, Standard Chartered Bank Asia economist Jonathan Koh said GDP growth came in much weaker than expected at 4.4 percent in 2025, down from 5.7 percent in 2024 and below the government’s 5.5 to 6.5 percent target. As sentiment weakensMANILA, Philippines — Despite an earlier economic growth forecast of 5.7 percent for the Philippines this year, Standard Chartered Bank said there are now clear downside risks following the weaker-than-expected gross domestic product (GDP) growth in 2025. “Sentiment needs to turn around before we actually see a real improvement in terms of growth,” Koh said. Koh forecast inflation at around 2.8 percent this year, up from 1.7 percent last year, largely due to base effects. On the peso, Koh said Standard Chartered remains cautious relative to other Southeast Asian currencies due to structural headwinds.

Source: Philippine Star January 30, 2026 16:45 UTC