Banking Risk Monthly Outlook: July 2026

Higher interest rates in some emerging Asian banking sectors will likely lead to slower credit growth by the end of 2027. Serbia's interest rate cap order will expire in September, and expectations of this are likely to boost credit growth before expiration.

Seeking Alpha • Jul 9, 2026

Philippine Central Bank Hikes Rates Amid Inflation Risks

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas raised its benchmark rate to 4.75% in an attempt to tame inflation fueled by the conflict in the Middle East.

WSJ • Jun 18, 2026

What The U.S.-Iran Peace Deal Means For Asia

The peace deal and partial resumption of oil flows reduce near-term inflation risks, giving some central banks (notably Taiwan and India) room to delay tightening. However, a broad pivot remains premature, as still-elevated oil prices, rising food price risks, and second-round effects keep the policy stance asymmetric and biased towards caution.

Seeking Alpha • Jun 19, 2026

EPHE: Still Cheap, But The Growth Picture Looks Less Alluring (Rating Downgrade)

I downgrade iShares MSCI Philippines ETF (EPHE) from buy to hold due to deteriorating GDP growth, a hawkish interest rate environment, unsteady foreign remittances and weak earnings prospects. EPHE trades at a compelling 8.75x forward P/E, but its long-term earnings growth outlook is only 3%, far below diversified EM peers. Philippines' central bank is in a hawkish cycle as inflation readings remain over 2x more than its comfort range, pressuring economic recovery.

Seeking Alpha • Jun 16, 2026

EPHE: State Of Emergency, All Of ASEAN Exposed To Middle East Oil Supply

The iShares MSCI Philippines ETF trades at a low 9.6x P/E, offering relative value among ASEAN peers despite macro headwinds. EPHE is heavily indexed to International Container Terminal Services (21.4%) and financials, making it exposed to trade flows and macro conditions. High oil prices are an FX threat, as a lot of selling needs to be done to cover USD-denominated barrels. It's also a concrete economic scarcity.

Seeking Alpha • Mar 28, 2026

Price caps, taking the stairs, and short-sleeved shirts: How countries are coping with the Iran war energy shock

Countries around the world have scrambled to cope with the fallout of the energy shock from the Iran war. This comes as the Iran war stretches into its third week.

CNBC • Mar 15, 2026

Philippine Stock Exchange: 'All bets are off' if the Middle East conflict continues indefinitely

Ramon Monzon of Philippines Stock Exchange discusses the recent impact of higher energy prices for Philippines' economy and markets. He also discusses its' IPO pipeline, including Maya Bank and Gcash.

CNBC International TV • Mar 11, 2026

Hunting For Dividends: Is ASEAN Next?

ASEAN's dividend opportunity is underpinned by diverse and evolving market characteristics. The FTSE ASEAN Index, which captures the large- and mid-cap companies listed in the five ASEAN markets - Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Philippines - has delivered a 10-year average dividend yield of 3.57%. Across multiple market cycles over the past 25 years, a back-test of the FTSE ASEAN ex REITs Target Dividend Index's strategy showed notable resilience during market downturns and lower overall volatility compared with the broader ASEAN market.

Seeking Alpha • Feb 14, 2026

EPHE: The New Year May Bring Added Opportunity

The iShares MSCI Philippines ETF is rated Buy, driven by deeply discounted valuations and an improving macroeconomic outlook. EPHE trades at a 9.3x PE, the second lowest globally and well below its historical averages, suggesting substantial upside potential. The Philippines GDP growth is forecasted at 5.4–5.7% for 2026, with strong domestic demand and accommodative monetary policy supporting the investment case.

Seeking Alpha • Dec 23, 2025

Best-Performing ETFs of Last Week: Healthcare Rules

Healthcare and biotech led last week's winners, with EPHE, BBC, HELX, XHS and SURI topping ETF gains as markets slid on AI worries and Fed uncertainty.

Zacks Investment Research • Nov 24, 2025