<p><strong>US equities ended Friday on a mixed note</strong>, as investors stepped back ahead of the weekend while monitoring Middle East peace talks. The Dow fell 0.56%, the S&amp;P 500 slipped 0.11%, and the Nasdaq rose 0.35%, even as all three posted their strongest weekly gains since November.</p>

<ul><li data-list-item-id="e561c336e4f09865388e475024704c29e"><strong>US consumer prices posted its fastest annual rise since 2024.</strong> A sharp surge in energy costs linked to the Iran war and tariff pass-throughs pushed inflation to 3.3% year-on-year, further dimming prospects for an interest rate cut in 2026.</li></ul>

<ul><li data-list-item-id="eed2c042f07cf1d0f7a405abba41020fd"><strong>US-Iran ceasefire negotiations in Islamabad were paused after marathon talks ended without agreement.</strong> Both sides acknowledged limited progress but said key disputes, particularly over sanctions relief, security guarantees, and the Strait of Hormuz, remain unresolved.</li></ul>

<ul><li data-list-item-id="efdaecbce1d5f7b3828dff7f516046e2d">Philippine pump prices are set for relief, as <strong>the Department of Energy expects diesel prices to drop by at least PHP 20 per liter starting April 14</strong>, driven by easing global oil prices amid ongoing but fragile Middle East ceasefire talks.</li></ul>

<ul><li data-list-item-id="e0e2d98af6c94bd72e269690eccdc8b9d"><strong>The Philippine government’s gross borrowings surged 41% to PHP 478.8 billion in February</strong>, as the increase in domestic debt issuances that more than offset a decline in foreign borrowing.</li></ul>