‘Q1 GDP likely grew over 6.5%,’ down on-yr

Growth in the Philippines’ gross domestic product (GDP) likely exceeded 6.5 percent in the first quarter of 2017, reflecting expansion across most sectors although at a slower pace than a year earlier and the preceding quarter, The Market Call said in its latest issue released on Wednesday.

“Despite a high base in Q1-2016, we think GDP growth in Q1-2017 will exceed 6.5 percent as all indicators, except faster inflation, signal sturdy output expansion in the current quarter,” investment bank First Metro Investment Corp. and University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) said in their latest joint issue of The Market Call.