In a significant development, net foreign direct investments (FDI) in the Philippines experienced a substantial surge to $1.4 billion in February, marking a notable 29.3% increase compared to the same period last year. This surge shows the growing investor confidence in the country’s economic prospects amidst prevailing uncertainties.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported the remarkable increase, attributing it to various factors contributing to sustained investor confidence in the Philippines’ macroeconomic fundamentals. Despite persistent inflationary pressures and global economic uncertainties, the country’s resilience remains evident, driving continued interest from foreign investors.
February’s surge in net FDI was primarily driven by a remarkable 927.3% increase in nonresidents’ net investments in equity capital, totaling $764 million compared to $74 million recorded a year earlier. This substantial increase signals a heightened interest from foreign investors in the Philippines’ equity market, reflecting optimism about the country’s economic prospects.
While the surge in equity capital investments was significant, it was partially offset by a 41.5% decline in net investments in debt instruments, amounting to $533 million compared to $912 million in the previous year. Additionally, reinvestments in earnings experienced a modest dip of 3.8%, totaling $66 million.
The Netherlands emerged as a key contributor to FDI inflows in February, with a substantial portion directed towards the financial and insurance sectors. This underscores the diverse range of industries benefiting from foreign investments, highlighting the country’s attractiveness as an investment destination.
Looking at the overall performance in the first two months of 2024, net equity capital placements surged by an impressive 350.3% to $753 million compared to $167 million in the previous year. Reinforcements of earnings also saw an uptick, rising by 7.4% to $165 million.
The notable improvement in FDI inflows can be attributed to the favourable economic and financial market conditions in recent months. As the Philippines continues to demonstrate resilience amidst global economic challenges, investors remain optimistic about the country’s growth prospects, driving sustained interest and investment inflows.
