Inflation & Prices
Philippines’ Core Gauge at 1999-High Shows Stubborn Prices
- Central bank sees inflation to be above target until early 4Q
- Transport sole driver of slowdown in headline number
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Philippines’ core inflation bolted to the fastest pace in 24 years, a print that will likely convince policymakers to retain their tightening bias even as the headline measure slowed.
The core gauge, which strips volatile food and energy costs, rose 7.8% in February from a year ago, quickening from 7.4% the prior month and clocking in the fastest increase since March 1999, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.