Inflation expected to hover at 2% level

FOR THE REST OF 2024 | Headline inflation is expected to remain stable and settle within the two percent level, at least for the last three months of the year, giving the central bank more room to continue its policy easing.

- LOUISE MAUREEN SIMEON

In a report, Metrobank Research, the research unit of Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co., said inflation would likely be steady at the two percent level from October to December.

This came after the September print eased to an over four-year low of 1.9 percent, even falling below the expectation of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

The sharp reduction was primarily due to slower increases in the prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages, transport and housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels.

"Rice prices are expected to continue to weigh on headline inflation, driven by lower tariffs and increased local supply following the harvest season," Metrobank Research said.