<p><strong>GLOBAL: Saudi Arabia has offered additional crude cargoes to Asian refiners</strong> through ship-to-ship transfers off the coast of Oman, primarily near the Sohar port.</p>

<p><strong>Market impact: Oil prices declined amid easing Middle East supply concerns, </strong>resulting in a softening US dollar. Meanwhile, technology stocks propelled US markets to a higher close.</p>

<p><strong>While immediate supply fears have eased, the geopolitical backdrop remains highly volatile.</strong> Alternative shipping routes only partially offset lost export barrels.</p>

<p><strong>LOCAL: According to the World Bank, the economy is poised for a stronger performance in the second half of the year,</strong> driven by public infrastructure spending and easing inflation.</p>

<p><strong>Market impact: The PSEi advanced on bargain hunting, </strong>while the peso strengthened slightly as oil prices declined.</p>

<p><strong>Metrobank projects GDP growth to remain below historical averages until 2028,</strong> as internal and external headwinds challenge consumption and investments.</p>