<p><strong>GLOBAL:</strong> US forces intercepted multiple Iranian ballistic missiles targeting a US military base in the Middle East, which the US Central Command (CENTCOM) described as a surprise attack.</p>

<p><strong>Market impact:</strong> Oil prices surged and US stock futures declined following the attack by Iran.</p>

<p>While renewed escalation would trigger immediate volatility in global energy markets, <strong>concerns about dwindling US munitions stockpiles remain.</strong></p>

<p><strong>LOCAL:</strong> Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli Remolona Jr. acknowledged the possibility of a 50-basis-point (bp) rate hike to address emerging price pressures but noted that the likelihood remains low.</p>

<p><strong>Market impact:</strong> The peso appreciated on early optimism about a potential US-Iran peace agreement, while the PSEi declined due to late-session selling pressure.</p>

<p><strong>Metrobank expects the BSP to implement a cumulative 50-bp rate hike for the rest of the year</strong>, driven by projections that inflation will remain above the 3±1% target range.</p>