<p><strong>Wall Street’s major indexes ended slightly higher after a volatile session,</strong> as falling oil prices and cautious optimism over US-Iran peace talks offset disputes about Tehran’s uranium stockpile and control of the Strait of Hormuz.</p>

<p><strong>Eurozone consumer confidence improved in May, rising 1.6 points to -19.0 from April’s -20.6,</strong> according to a European Commission flash estimate.</p>

<p><strong>The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas signaled a tougher stance against inflation,</strong> with Governor Eli Remolona Jr. indicating the Monetary Board may approve a second consecutive rate hike ahead of its June 18 meeting amid price shocks.</p>

<p><strong>Philippine financial system resources climbed 8.61% year-on-year to PHP 37.45 trillion in Q1 2026,</strong> as banks and nonbank institutions expanded assets despite Middle East war-related headwinds.</p>

<p><strong>The Asian Development Bank expects Philippine growth forecasts to be trimmed further,</strong> noting that the prolonged Middle East conflict continues to weigh heavily on economic activity.</p>