0702 GMT - A deceleration in Philippines' headline inflation to 1.3% in May from 1.4% the previous month raises the risk of a policy rate cut this month, says Aris Dacanay of HSBC Global Research. The peso's relative strength could also give Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas room to lower policy rates, the economist says in a note. That said, the June 19 meeting remains a tough call as upside risks to inflation remain. Dacanay points to the lower house of Congress's approval of an across-the-board minimum-wage hike this week. Policymakers are also considering raising tariff rates on rice. If this materializes, BSP may need to reconsider the pace of its easing cycle, he adds. HSBC's baseline scenario is for the central bank to pause its easing cycle in June. (monica.gupta@wsj.com)
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
June 05, 2025 03:02 ET (07:02 GMT)
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