<p><strong>Stocks declined and oil prices climbed</strong>, driven by investor anxiety over stalled diplomatic negotiations between the US and Iran regarding critical regional stability and energy exports.</p>

<p><strong>US President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a three-week ceasefire extension</strong>, providing more time for negotiators to reach a permanent peace agreement.</p>

<p><strong>The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) raised benchmark interest rates to combat persistent inflation</strong>, signaling that additional hikes may follow if price pressure does not subside in the coming months.</p>

<p><strong>The Philippine government's budget deficit expanded in March</strong>, as spending outpaced revenue, highlighting fiscal challenges despite ongoing efforts to improve tax administration and boost economic growth.</p>

<p><strong>The Philippines' inclusion in the JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co. Government Bond Index-Emerging Markets is expected to drive significant capital inflows</strong>, as global investors increase their demand for the country’s local currency government debt.</p>