Bizlinks 31 January 2006
Sunset today marks the first day of Muharram, the Islamic New Year:
- It was unexpected, but welcome all the same: “[Philippine] 2005 economic growth slower but surprising.” Philippine stock and currency markets cheer at the news, sending the Philippine peso to another high.
- Read the 2005 fourth quarter GDP report from the National Statistics Coordinating Board.
- Philippine treasury officials reject anew high bids for its benchmark 91-day T-bills.
- Claiming that conditions have been met, Philippine finance officials will recommend the increase of the value-added tax (VAT) to 12% starting tomorrow. Fuel prices are expected to go up by as much as PHP 3 per liter as a result. Ouch.
- Philippine retailers expect a tough 2006 due to “high oil prices, a gloomy economic outlook, and lingering political uncertainties.”
- A man caught with bomb-making materials while riding the train and an small explosion in front of a Manila courthouse yesterday may send some punters scampering for cover today. Police are on red alert.
- Robust demand from call centers and business process outsourcing companies, coupled with a lack of suitable space send Philippine office rents shooting skywards. For those in the market for a store or office space in Manila’s Escolta district, Walk This Way may have a good deal for you.
- What did Filipino consumers spend their money on in 2005? Read “I know what you bought last year” and find out.
- Small Business Trends explains that even small businesses can profit from market research: “How Marketing Research Can Benefit A Small Business” illustrates the different types of research, how to get it, and, more importatly, how to use it.
