insert_link Business / Economics Domestic Economy Expands 1.9 Percent in Q3 The domestic economy grew by 1.9 percent in the third quarter, slightly below last year’s 2.1 percent, driven mainly by a 4.1 percent rise in the services sector. Financial services and wholesale and retail trade supported growth, reflecting continued but moderate economic momentum. Economist Almandro Jansen commented on the latest figures. today23 December, 2025
insert_link Business / Economics Inflation Slows as November Shows Price Stability Headline inflation eased to 3.4% in November from 3.6% in October, approaching the 3.0% recorded a year ago. Month-on-month prices remained unchanged following a 0.5% rise in October due to temporary utility hikes. For the year, inflation averages 3.9%, higher than 3.3% in 2024, driven by cost pressures in housing, utilities, and food. Economist Almandro Jansen of Simonis Storm comments on the trends. today9 December, 2025
insert_link Business / Economics Domestic Car Sales Slow in October The domestic vehicle market softened at the start of the fourth quarter, with 1,267 units sold in October — a 2.8 percent drop from September. The decline follows a modest rebound in September, when sales climbed by just over 3 percent. Despite the monthly dip, overall momentum remains positive. Year-on-year, domestic vehicle sales rose 10.7 percent, sustaining the recovery that began after the sharp fall in March. Simonis Storm economist […] today21 November, 2025
insert_link Business / Economics Domestic Inflation Inches Up to 3.6% in October Domestic inflation rose slightly to 3.6% in October , up from 3.5% in September and 3.0% a year earlier, marking a modest rise after months of price stability. Monthly prices climbed 0.5%, ending two months of no change. The increase was mainly driven by higher housing and transport costs, while food inflation continued to ease. Simonis Storm economist, Almandro Jansen: today11 November, 2025
insert_link Business / Economics Shafudah Announces Spending Adjustments in Mid-Term Budget Review Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah tabled the Mid-Term Budget Review before Parliament, providing an update on the local economic progress and key fiscal adjustments. The proposed changes to the 2025 Appropriation Act aim to realign government spending and ensure adequate funding for national priorities through the rest of the 2025/26 financial year. Simonis Storm economist Almandro Jansen: today22 October, 2025
insert_link Business / Economics Inflation Rises to 3.5% in September The annual inflation rate increased to 3.5% in September from 3.2% in August, mainly driven by higher transport and housing costs. Simonis Storm economist Almandro Jansen noted that transport inflation rebounded to 1.3% after months of decline, largely due to rising vehicle prices, while food prices grew at a slower pace. today14 October, 2025
insert_link Business / Economics Local Vehicle Sales Dip in August. Domestic Vehicle sales fell 3.7% in August to 1,261 units but remain 26.7% higher than last year. Dealerships dominate with 93% of year-to-date sales, while rental companies mainly support mid-to-premium brands, says Simonis Storm economist Almandro Jansen. today1 October, 2025
insert_link Business / Economics Private Sector Credit Growth Accelerates to Pre-Pandemic Levels . Private sector credit grew by 5.7% year-on-year in June, up from 4.1% in May—the fastest pace since early 2020. Corporate credit surged 10.6%, fueled by strong activity in mining, energy, retail, and manufacturing sectors. Overdrafts jumped 17.4%, driven largely by real estate development and rising consumer demand, explained Simonis Storm economist Almandro Jansen. today5 August, 2025
insert_link Business / Economics Central Region Sees Sharp Drop in Hotel Occupancy.. The central region’s occupancy rate dropped to 37.52% in May, down from 44.41% in April, according to economist Almandro Jansen from Simonis Storm. The decline is likely linked to a decrease in corporate or event-related travel. Hospitality Association CEO Gitta Paetzold notes that while coastal occupancy also dipped to 54.43%, the area remains popular with both leisure and business visitors. today27 June, 2025
