Philippine annual inflation PHCPI=ECI was 6.4% in June, slowing from the previous month's 6.8% rate, driven mainly by a slower annual increase in transport costs, the statistics agency said on Tuesday.

  • The rise in the consumer price index was below the 6.6% median forecast in a Reuters poll.

  • It was within the central bank's 6.0% to 7.0% forecast for June.

  • The June print brought average inflation in the first half of the year to 4.8%. The central bank said average inflation was expected to remain above its 3% target in 2026 and 2027.

  • Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, quickened to 4.4% in June from 4.1% in May.

  • The central bank raised its policy interest rate by 25 basis points in June to keep inflation in check.

  • On Tuesday, the central bank said it was prepared to take further monetary action as needed. The next scheduled policy review is on August 27.