<p><strong>The Philippines’ manufacturing activity shrank for the first time since late 2025</strong>, with fewer new orders and rising input prices, partly due to supply disruptions linked to Middle East tensions.</p>

<p><strong>Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama issued a stern warning against excessive yen volatility</strong>, signaling that Japan remains ready to intervene in the foreign exchange market.</p>

<p><strong>Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party achieved a historic political milestone</strong> by securing its first-ever victory in the West Bengal state elections.</p>

<p><strong>The Philippines’ Purchasing Managers' Index dipped into contraction territory</strong> for the first time in five months, reflecting softened demand and rising operational costs for local factories.</p>

<p><strong>Philippine motorists will face higher pump costs this week</strong> as domestic oil firms implement price hikes for diesel and gasoline, tracking international oil markets.</p>