FDI net inflows hit four-month low in January — BSP data

Net inflows of foreign direct investments fell to a four-month low in January as investor sentiment was weighed by geopolitical risks, data released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Friday showed.

Central bank data showed that FDI net inflows stood at $443 million in January, lower than the $560 million the previous month and $729 million the same month last year. This is also the lowest since September 2025’s $316 million. 

“This suggests that rising geopolitical risks are weighing on investor sentiment,” the BSP said in a statement.

FDI data cover investments by foreign investors in Philippine companies where they own at least 10%, including funds from overseas affiliates to their Philippine parent firms.

Net equity capital placements for the month declined to $70 million from $180 million in December and $88 million a year ago, while reinvestment of earnings dropped to $53 million from $80 million the previous month and $122 million the previous year.

Equity capital placements came mostly from Japan, the United States, and South Korea, which were than channeled mainly into manufacturing, real estate, and wholesale and retail trade industries.

Net debt instruments for the month were recorded at $320 million, higher than the $300 million in December, but lower than the $519 million in January 2025. — RSJ, GMA News