Domestic liquidity up 14.8% at P10.3 trillion in October

Domestic liquidity or M3, the amount of money circulating in the Philippine financial system, expanded slightly in October as growth in foreign exchange inflows offset the decrease in domestic claims.

Data from the BSP showed M3 grew by 14.8 percent to P10.3 trillion in October, compared with 14.5 percent to P10.14 trillion in September.

"The growth in net foreign assets (NFA) underline the slight expansion in M3," BSP Deputy Governor for Monetary Stability Sector Diwa Guinigundo told GMA News Online.

Net foreign assets (NFA) in peso terms grew by 6.1 percent at P4.6 trillion in October from 0.1 percent in September.

"These are coming from remittances of overseas Filipinos, receipts of the BPO (business process outsourcing) ... 'Pag maraming pumasok na remittances from OFWs and BPO, dumarami rin 'yung pumasok sa money supply," Guingundo said.

Banks' NFA position expanded as a result of higher loans and investment in marketable debt securities.

Domestic claims grew by 15.2 percent from 16.1 percent.

"This is only a very small fraction ... Nothing to be alarmed about," Guinigundo said.

The BSP attributed the decreased in domestic claims to the easing of growth in credit to the private sector by 16.5 percent from 18.3 percent.

"Nevertheless, growth in bank loans remained robust on account of lending to key production sectors such as electricity, gas, steam and airconditioning supply; real estate activities; wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles; financial and insurance activities; information and communication; and manufacturing," the BSP said.

The central bank noted the growth in money supply remains consistent with the prevailing outlook for inflation and economic activity.

"Going forward, the BSP will continue to monitor domestic liquidity closely to ensure that monetary conditions are conducive to maintaining price and  financial stability," it said. — VDS, GMA News