<p><strong>A Reuters poll suggests that China is expected to keep its lending rates steady for the 12th straight month in May,</strong> as abundant interbank liquidity reduces the need for cuts despite sluggish economic activity.</p>

<p><strong>Wall Street indexes fell Tuesday, led by the Nasdaq, as surging 10-year Treasury yields, persistent inflation concerns,</strong> high oil prices, and uncertainty over US-Iran peace talks weighed on investor sentiment.</p>

<p><strong>The Philippines’ balance of payments deficit narrowed to USD 2.1 billion in April 2026,</strong> its smallest gap in three months, owing to steady inflows from remittances and services despite persistent external pressures. &nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the Philippines could face stagflation,</strong> warning of slowing growth alongside persistent inflation, while indicating his administration may allow higher prices for some nonessential food items.</p>

<p><strong>The peso ended Tuesday unchanged at its record low of PHP 61.75 per dollar,</strong> as ongoing uncertainty over the Middle East conflict kept investors cautious.</p>