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ENEOS to Acquire Chevron's Asia-Pacific Downstream Assets in $2.17 Billion Deal

ENEOS Holdings signed share purchase agreements with several Chevron subsidiaries to acquire 100% of Chevron's downstream fuels and lubricants marketing businesses in Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Australia, Vietnam and Indonesia for $2.17 billion.The deal also includes the acquisition of a 50% non-operated interest in the Singapore Refining Co. from Chevron Singapore, according to a company release on Thursday.The acquisition will be carried out through a special purpose vehicle incorporated in Singapore.The transaction is slated to complete by 2027 and is subject to regulatory approvals, the filing said.

Market Chatter: ADB to Trim ASEAN Growth Forecasts as US-Iran War Drags On

The Asian Development Bank's (ADB) previous "early stabilization" scenario is no longer valid amid continued war in the Middle East, The Star reported Tuesday, citing ADB chief economist Albert Park's address to reporters.This prompts a revision of the earlier outlook, he reportedly said, as the conflict has stretched beyond initial expectations. Under updated projections, regional growth is now seen slowing to 4.7% in 2026 and 4.8% in 2027, while inflation forecasts have also been revised higher to 5.2% this year.Park warned that energy markets remain under pressure, with gas prices up around 30% and diesel rising even more sharply, while fertilizer costs have surged, raising risks for food and industrial supply chains. He also cautioned that prolonged disruption could keep oil prices elevated, with scenarios showing averages near $96 per barrel in 2026 and even higher in worst-case conditions, the news outlet said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

Philippines Logs FDI Net Flows of $590 Million in February

The Philippines recorded net foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows of $590 million in February, according to data released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on Tuesday.The United States emerging as the largest source of investments.Firms in the financial and insurance sector attracted the biggest share of inflows during the month.Cumulative FDI net inflows for January and February stood at $1 billion, the central bank said.

Philippines' GDP Further Weakens to 2.8% in Q1

The Philippines' economy in the first quarter further shrank to its weakest since the pandemic as the Middle East conflict added more inflationary pressure, weakening consumption and investor confidence.The first-quarter gross domestic product rose 2.8% year on year, lower than the previous quarter's 3% rise, according to data the Philippine Statistics Authority published on Thursday.The GDP missed market expectations of a 3.3% growth, as well as ANZ's forecast of a 3.4% increase. Analysts polled by Reuters predicted a 3.5% rise.Household consumption climbed 3%, weaker than the 3.8% rise in the fourth quarter of 2025. Gross capital formation, the gauge for investment growth, fell 3.3%, reflecting a slump in investor confidence.In a press conference, Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio ​Balisacan attributed the current GDP to the effects of the Iran war on global crude prices, which have brought disruption in the international supply chain, according to a Reuters report.Meanwhile, there's improvement in government spending as it jumped 4.8% year on year, stronger than 0.7% in the previous quarter. Before 2025 ended, the government toned down its spending, especially on infrastructure, in the wake the "ghost projects" controversy, where the money allocated for non-existing flood control projects were questioned."Nonetheless, despite this tentative improvement in government spending, the Philippines' economy remains in a challenging position amid elevated inflation, weak growth and persistent external headwinds," ANZ economists Sanjay Mathur and Kausani Basak said in a note. "Overall, risks to near‑term growth remain skewed to the downside, particularly if inflation stays elevated or global geopolitical conditions deteriorate.'Moreover, wholesale and retail trade, especially the repair of vehicles and motorcycles, was one of the factors to the GDP growth, rising 4.6% from a year earlier. Financial and insurance activities jumped 3.4% and public administration and defense, especially compulsory social security, climbed 8.6%, the PSA said.Among key economic sectors, the services sector increased 4.5% year on year, but the agriculture sector slid 0.2%, while the industry sector inched 0.1% lower from a year earlier.Capital Economics said that the Philippines is currently going through stagflation, which is a combination of slowing and very weak GDP growth, which triggers a spike in inflation."Even if the crisis in the Middle East ends soon, the central bank looks almost certain to hike rates again imminently," Capital Economics said in a note.

Philippines' GDP Growth Eases to 2.8% in Q1

The Philippines' economy grew 2.8% year on year in the first quarter of 2026, slowing from the 3% expansion in the previous quarter, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed on Thursday.The figure also missed the 3.5% growth forecasts by Trading Economics.The main contributors to first-quarter growth were wholesale and retail trade and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, which expanded 4.6%, financial and insurance activities at 3.4%, and public administration and defense; compulsory social security at 8.6%.By sector, services grew 4.5% annually, while agriculture, forestry and fishing slipped 0.2% and industry edged down 0.1%.On the expenditure side, household final consumption expenditure rose 3.0%, government spending increased 4.8%, exports of goods and services climbed 7.8%, and imports grew 6.1%. Gross capital formation, however, contracted 3.3%.Gross National Income expanded 3% from a year earlier in the January-March period, the data showed.

Philippine Economy Further Slows Growth in Q1 at 2.8%

Market Chatter: ASEAN Leaders to Gather in Philippines as US-Iran War Pressures Region

Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are set to confront the widening economic shock of the Iran conflict at this week's summit in the Philippines, with inflation and supply disruptions taking center stage, Nikkei Asian Review reported on Wednesday.The talks will also cover the crisis in Myanmar and efforts to advance a South China Sea code of conduct. Attacks linked to the US-Iran war have choked shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global supplies of oil and gas and leading to surging prices. Energy-importing economies such as the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam are facing rising costs and strained supply chains, prompting subsidies, shorter work weeks and emergency measures. reportedly.Analysts say ASEAN's calls for de-escalation have had a limited impact, leaving leaders under pressure to respond. Divisions persist over Myanmar policy, while long-running negotiations with China on a South China Sea code are unlikely to conclude soon amid competing priorities and geopolitical tensions, the Nikkei said.The 48th ASEAN Summit and related meetings are taking place in Cebu, Philippines, from May 6 to May 8, 2026.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

Market Chatter: SouthEast Asian Rice Farmers Bear Brunt of Burgeoning Costs Amid Middle East Conflict

Rice farmers across South and Southeast Asia face mounting cost pressure ahead of the planting season as fertilizer prices spike, raising concerns over regional food supply, Nikkei Asian Review reported Wednesday.Fueled by geopolitical instability in the Middle East, urea prices climbed 18% in April after surging 54% in March. Benchmark urea prices hit $857 per ton in April, according to the World Bank, more than doubling from a year earlier and surpassing March's four-year high, the report said.This follows the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which disrupted exports from Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The two countries account for roughly a third of global supply, according to the report.Higher input costs are forcing farmers to cut fertilizer use, risking weaker yields as the rice-growing season begins. With Asia heavily reliant on Gulf supplies, prolonged disruption could trigger shortages, while rising energy and transport costs may push overall production expenses up by as much as 80%, the Nikkei said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

Philippines' Production Value Index, Net Sales Index Rise in March

The Philippines' value of production index (VaPI) for manufacturing rose 10.5% annually in March, faster than the 4.5% increase in the month prior, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed on Wednesday.In March 2025, the index had posted a 0.1% annual increase.Meanwhile, the volume of production index rose 7.8% in March, accelerating from a 3.1% increase in the month prior and reversing the 0.6% decline a year earlier.The country's production index measures real output in the manufacturing sector.The value of the net sales index for manufacturing grew 4.3% year on year in March, faster than the 1.9% annual growth in the preceding month.The volume of net sales index edged up 1.8% year on year in March, versus a 0.5% annual rise in the month prior, the data showed.

Philippines' Jobless Rate Slows to 5% in March

The Philippines' unemployment rate eased to 5.0% in March, from 5.1% a month earlier, according to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority released on Wednesday.The latest reading, however, is higher than the 3.9% recorded a year earlier.The number of unemployed persons in March stood at 2.58 million, down from 2.66 million in February but higher than 1.93 million in March 2025, the PSA said.Meanwhile, the country's employment rate was 95% in March, higher than 94.9% in February but below 96.1% a year earlier, the data showed.

Philippines' Unemployment Rate Eases to 5.0% in March

ASEAN Manufacturing Growth Slows to Nine-Month Low in April, S&P Global Says

ASEAN's manufacturing sector expanded at a slower pace in April, with growth easing to a nine-month low as price pressures intensified, according to data released by S&P Global on Tuesday.The S&P Global ASEAN Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index fell to 50.7 in April from 51.8 in March, marking the weakest reading since July but extending the current expansion streak to nine months.New order growth slowed to an eight-month low, while production growth eased further and moved close to stagnation. New export orders declined for a second straight month at the fastest pace since last July.Firms cut employment for the first time in eight months, while purchasing activity increased.On the price front, input cost inflation surged to its highest level since March 2022, while output prices rose at the fastest pace in 49 months, reflecting stronger cost pass-through by firms.Despite challenges and weak historical levels, business confidence stayed positive in April, with manufacturers expecting production to grow over the next year, the report said.

Philippines' Inflation Jumps 7.2% in April

The Philippines' inflation in April grew in its fastest pace in three years as the Middle East conflict weighed heavily on the price of basic commodities, especially crude oil.The headline consumer price index jumped 7.2% year on year, according to data published by the Philippine Statistics Authority on Tuesday. CPI grew 4.1% in March and 1.4% in April 2025.The current CPI beat estimates of between 5.6% and 6.4% from analysts surveyed by Bloomberg and from the country's central bank, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. ING's forecast of a 5% CPI growth was not close enough to the current figures.The inflation hike was attributed to the price of oil spiking amid the Middle East conflict, as well as a rise food, energy and transportation.The PSA said the transport index jumped 21.4% from 9.9% in March, while utilities, housing and other fuels climbed month on month to 8.2% from 4.7%. The food and non-alcoholic beverages increased 6% from 2.9%.Arsenio Balisacan, the secretary of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development, said the Department of Energy is looking for alternative energy sources to ensure a stable supple of fuel amid the war in Iran, the Philippines News Agency said."Amid the Middle East conflict disrupting fuel supply chains, the government is intensifying targeted interventions, particularly to temper upward price pressures on food, energy, and transport, while ensuring the continued stability of domestic supply," Balisacan said.Analysts expect that the BSP will hike key rates to catch up with the high inflation. Benchmark rates were increased by a quarter point to 4.5% in April.Bank of the Philippine Islands economist Emilio Neri Jr. said the central bank may raise rates by over the usual 25 basis points. Meanwhile, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp's chief economist, Michael Ricafort, said the BSP may be forced to increase rates by 50 basis points, according to a Bloomberg News report.The BSP is set to meet in June, the report said.

Philippines' Headline Inflation Quickens to 7.2% in April

The Philippines' headline inflation accelerated to 7.2% in April from 4.1% in March, according to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority on Tuesday.Food inflation rose to 6.1% in April from 2.7% in the previous month, the PSA said.Core inflation, which excludes selected food and energy items, increased to 3.9% in April from 3.2% in March, the data showed.

Philippines' Headline Inflation Accelerates to 7.2% in April; Core Inflation Quickens to 3.9%

Philippine Manufacturing Activity Contracts on Middle East War Impact

Philippine manufacturing turned contractionary in April as the war in the Middle East reduced buying activity, new orders, and staffing numbers.S&P Global's Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index for the Philippines posted 48.3 in April compared with an expansion of 51.3 in March.A reading of above 50 denotes expansion, while a reading below 50 means a contraction.The indicator fell to negative territory for the first time since November due to a decline in new orders.New export orders plunged to their steepest since the middle of 2020 amid closures of trade routes, which caused shipping halts, causing consumers to hesitate, S&P said.Deteriorating export market demand also dragged down total new sales, S&P Global Market Intelligence economist Maryam Baluch said."The decline in total new sales led Filipino manufacturers to see a stagnation in production levels in April," the debt watcher said in its report.Exporters have also reduced their working days to as short as three days per week from six on a shortage orders in the garment, food, handicrafts and furniture sectors, The Philippine Star reported April 16, citing a survey by the Philippine Exporters Confederation.Staffing levels slipped due to "modest" job cuts during the month, according to S&P.Philippine manufacturers have turned to inventory to keep up with production requirements amid a decline in new orders and an increase in input and shipping prices, S&P said.Despite the shortfalls, business confidence rose to a 17-month high as investors are bullish about a growing client base and improvements in underlying demand trends, the debt watcher said.

Asia Week Ahead: PMI Reports; Central Bank Decisions; and Inflation Prints

For the week ahead in Asia, the economic calendar is packed with S&P Global's monthly purchasing managers' index reports, inflation prints, and central bank decisions across the region.Monday brings a slate of S&P Global manufacturing PMI reports for April, alongside Indonesia's inflation and trade figures.On Tuesday, markets will turn to the Reserve Bank of Australia's interest rate decision, while Thailand and the Philippines release April inflation data.Wednesday features South Korea's April inflation print and New Zealand's first-quarter labor-market report, along with PMI readings from India, China, Hong Kong and Singapore.On Thursday, Malaysia's central bank decision will be in focus, alongside Taiwan's April inflation data and the Philippines' first-quarter GDP report.On Friday, Taiwan's April trade data and Malaysia's March industrial production figures will be due, before China closes out the week with April trade figures on Saturday.Here's what to watch in the week ahead.MONDAY, May 4The week kicked off with a slate of S&P Global purchasing managers' index reports covering manufacturing activity during April.Most economies in the region saw a rise in output despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East which has pushed oil prices upwards.Malaysia's manufacturing sector expanded at its fastest pace in four years in April, supported by stronger output and a return to growth in new orders.The S&P Global Malaysia Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index rose to 51.6 in April from 50.7 in March, marking a second straight month of expansion.Output grew at the fastest pace since December 2021, while new orders increased as firms and clients built safety stocks amid uncertainty linked to the Middle East war.Output activity also expanded in South Korea, India, and Taiwan, according to S&P Global.Meanwhile, Vietnam's manufacturing sector also expanded, albeit at a slower pace.The S&P Global Vietnam Manufacturing PMI slipped to 50.5 in April from 51.2 in March, a seven-month low, signalling a tenth straight month of expansion but only marginal growth.In contrast, Indonesia's manufacturing sector slipped into contraction in April as cost pressures intensified due to material shortages and delays linked to the Middle East conflict.The S&P Global Indonesia Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index fell to 49.1 in April from 50.1 in March, dropping below the 50 mark for the first time in nine months.Manufacturing activity similarly slipped in the Philippines as new orders fell sharply and cost pressures intensified.Indonesia released inflation figures, noting a 2.4% year on year rise in prices during April -- slower than the 3.5% recorded a month prior.The island state also booked a trade surplus of $5.55 billion in the first quarter, supported by a strong non-oil and gas balance despite higher import growth, according to official data released by Statistics Indonesia.The Melbourne Institute released its monthly inflation gauge, noting another increase in April, mainly driven by higher recreation-related prices. The monthly cost of living also increased in April, especially for employees and self-funded retirees.TUESDAY, May 5An interest rate decision in Australia will capture headlines on Tuesday.The Reserve Bank of Australia is likely to rate hikes by 25 basis points to 4.35% as persistent inflation pressures and rising fuel costs linked to Middle East supply disruptions keeps the central bank on a hawkish path even as global peers hold steady.Thailand and the Philippines will release inflation data for April.Economists at ING said they expect the Philippines' headline inflation to rise above 5% as the government passes on the impact of higher global oil prices onto consumers. The Philippines' inflation climbed to 4.1% in March.Thailand is similarly expected to see a rise in consumer prices during April. According to a consensus compiled by Trading Economics, headline inflation could clock in at 1.7% on an annual basis, compared with a 0.08% decline in March.First-quarter gross domestic growth data will be due in Indonesia. DBS said it was forecasting 5.6% growth for the quarter thanks to government spending and festive spending during the period, the Wall Street Journal reported.Hong Kong will similarly release its first-quarter advance GDP growth estimate on Tuesday.Meanwhile, March retail sales figures will be expected in Singapore.On the activity front, S&P Global will release PMI reports manufacturing activity in Thailand and services and composite activity in Australia.WEDNESDAY, May 6Another inflation print, this time in South Korea.Economists at ING said they expect consumer prices to rise at a faster pace in April despite attempts by Seoul to rein in the impact of rising oil costs on consumers. A consensus compiled by Trading Economics indicated headline inflation could clock in at 2.6%.In March, South Korea's annual inflation rose to 2.2%, breaching the central bank's 2% target.First-quarter labor data from New Zealand will also be in the news.CommBank expects headline labor-market figures to remain weak, forecasting just 0.1% quarterly employment growth and a rise in unemployment to 5.5%, compared with Trading Economics consensus estimates of 0.3% employment growth and a 5.4% jobless rate for the first quarter."We do not envisage a labor market recovery until 2027, reflective of adverse impacts from geopolitical ructions," CommBank said in a preview.The Philippines will similarly release labor data for March, as well as industrial production figures.ING said it expects unemployment to edge higher. "On the industry side, weak soft construction activity should continue to weigh on growth," ING said.Additional S&P Global PMI reports covering services and composite activity in India and China, as well as overall activity in Hong Kong and Singapore, will be due.A business confidence report will be due in Thailand, while Hong Kong's March retail sales figures will also be on display.THURSDAY, May 7Malaysia's central bank will meet for its interest rate decision, with no change expected in the 2.75% policy rate.RHB Bank said it expects Bank Negara Malaysia to hold rates as growth remains steady and inflation remains in check, the Wall Street Journal reported.Taiwan's April inflation print will be due, with analysts looking for signs on how the Iran war was weighing in on prices. ING said it expects to see inflationary pressure picking up after limited pass through of energy prices in March.Australia will release March trade figures. The country's trade surplus could fall to A$4.45 billion from the A$5.69 billion recorded in the month prior, according to a consensus compiled by Trading Economics.CommBank said it expects the goods trade balance to decline due to rising fuel imports in the wake of the Iran conflict.The Philippines' first-quarter GDP growth figures will be expected. ING said the Philippines' economy could recover to a growth of 4.3% year on year thanks to favorable base effects and some pick-up in government spending.The Philippines' economy grew by 3% last quarter.Another confidence report covering consumer sentiment will be due in Thailand.FRIDAY, May 8Markets will be on the lookout for Taiwan's trade data for April.ING said it expects the island state's trade surplus to rise to $21.6 billion from $21.3 billion in the month prior. "We're looking for another strong month, with 59.3% YoY export growth and 35.5% import growth," ING said in a preview.In Malaysia, March industrial production figures will be due.S&P Global will release PMI reports covering services and composite activity in Japan.SATURDAY, May 9China will release its April trade data on Saturday.The world's second largest economy could record a surplus of $82.4 billion for the month, rising from $51.13 billion in March, according to a consensus compiled by Trading Economics.Analysts at DBS expect a sharp uptick in surplus, with export growth more than doubling to 8.4% from the 2.5% rise seen in March, the WSJ reported.

Market Chatter: Southeast Asians Turn to New Crude Oil Suppliers Amid Middle East Crisis

Southeast Asian countries are changing where they buy crude oil, moving away from Gulf suppliers and turning to places like the US, Brunei and Libya, Nikkei Asian Review reported Monday, citing trade data and Kpler shipping figures.The shift comes as disruptions in Middle Eastern supply routes have hit flows through the Strait of Hormuz, pushing import-reliant economies such as Thailand and Vietnam to look for new sources. Thailand's imports from the UAE fell sharply in April, while shipments from Brunei and Libya increased, according to the report.Vietnam has also reworked its supply mix, with lower volumes from traditional suppliers offset by arrivals from countries including Angola, Argentina and the United States. Singapore has similarly cut reliance on Gulf crude, with most of its imports now sourced from the US, the news outlet said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

ADB Commits $70 Billion Investment in Asia Through 20235 to Boost Energy, Digital Infrastructure

The Asian Development Bank will inject $70 billion through 2035 to expand energy and digital infrastructure across the Asia-Pacific, with a focus on cross-border electricity trade and broader internet access.In the recent report on Monday, ADB President Masato Kanda said stronger regional connectivity will help lower costs and support growth. The bank plans to mobilize $50 billion under its Pan-Asia Power Grid Initiative to link national grids, scale up renewable energy use, and build transmission lines, substations and storage.A further $20 billion will go towards the Asia-Pacific Digital Highway, funding fibre networks, data centres and other digital systems. By 2035, the projects aim to connect 200 million people to power, widen broadband access, and generate jobs across the region, the report said.

Philippine Manufacturing Activity Contracts as Orders Fall, Costs Rise, S&P Global Says

The Philippines' manufacturing sector slipped into contraction in April as new orders fell sharply and cost pressures intensified, according to data released Monday by S&P Global.The S&P Global Philippines Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index fell to 48.3 in April from 51.3 in March, marking the first contraction since November.New orders declined at the fastest pace since August 2021, while export demand weakened further, with firms citing trade route disruptions and halted shipments.Production stalled, and firms cut employment and purchasing activity, drawing down inventories to meet output needs.Input costs rose at the fastest pace since December 2022, driven by higher energy and shipping costs linked to the Middle East war, prompting the sharpest increase in selling prices in 41 months.Supplier delivery times lengthened, while business confidence improved to a 17-month high on expectations of stronger demand ahead.