Economy

MANILA — Headline inflation in May slightly rose to 2.4 percent from 2.3 percent in April, bringing the average inflation for the first five months of the year to 2.7 percent. The May inflation was within the 2.1-2.8 percent forecast range of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and was substantially lower than the 6.9 percent inflation rate posted a year ago. The minimal increase in inflation was mainly attributable to the uptick in the prices of fuel, light, and water to 4.0 percent from 2.2 percent in April. Month-on-month, inflation went up by 0.3 percent following the 0.2 percent increase in April. Meanwhile, core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy items, remained steady at 2.6 percent for the third consecutive month.
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MANILA — Malacanang said today that the strong surge of the peso and the stock market will continue as long as the nation moves as one.

Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesman Ignacio R. Bunye said that the seven-year high registered by the peso yesterday and the soaring stock market index augur well for the economy.
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