Analysts see slightly higher inflation for Oct

Inflation Overview - Analysts expect inflation to have increased slightly to 1.8 percent in October, up from 1.7 percent in September, influenced by higher food and electricity costs and a weaker peso [1][4] - The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has a target range of 2.0 to 4.0 percent, and if the forecast is realized, it will mark the eighth consecutive month below the 2.0 percent goal [1] Economic Forecasts - Union Bank's chief economist and Pantheon Macroeconomics predict inflation could slow to 1.6 percent due to modest price adjustments, with upward pressure from supply constraints and import suspensions [2] - Chinabank Research estimates inflation remained at 1.7 percent, citing higher rice prices and increases in fish, vegetable, and fuel costs, but offset by lower costs of meat, fruits, sugar, LPG, and electricity [3] Factors Influencing Inflation - Economists from various institutions suggest inflation may have slightly increased to 1.8 percent due to base effects and typhoon damage impacting food prices [4] - Higher prices of rice, vegetables, and fish are driving inflation, while lower prices of meat, fruit, and oil provide some relief [5] - Metrobank Research estimates inflation at 1.9 percent, with rice deflation offsetting moderate electricity cost increases [7] Price Pressures - Emmanuel Lopez forecasts inflation could rise to 2.0 percent due to increasing fuel prices and the depreciation of the peso, which raises the cost of imports [8] - Ongoing inflationary pressures include higher vegetable prices from recent typhoons and increased electricity costs due to peso depreciation [6]