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SINGAPORE—The Philippine peso on Tuesday fell to its
lowest in 11 months on concern widening credit-market
losses will deepen a global economic slump, encouraging
investors to reduce holdings of emerging-market assets.
The
local currency dropped the most in more than two weeks
as regional and US stocks declined on speculation
American International Group Inc. will post a loss.
Philippine import growth accelerated for the first time
in five months in June, the National Statistics Office
said in Manila Tuesday.
“Investors are pulling out of their risky investments,”
said Vishnu Varathan, regional economist at Forecast
Singapore Pte. The imports figure “adds to sentiment
that the peso should weaken.”
The
currency dropped 0.8 percent to P45.995 per dollar at
the 4 p.m. close in Manila compared with P45.64 on
August 22, according to the Bankers Association of the
Philippines. Local financial markets were closed Monday
for a public holiday.
Philippine stocks fell for a sixth day as overseas
investors sold more than they bought in 28 of the past
30 trading sessions, including Tuesday. (Bloomberg) |