August 2026 price data showed broadly unchanged consumer prices in São Paulo, Paraguay’s annual inflation easing to 1.5% from 1.6% in July, and Philippine inflation moderating to 6.1% from 6.2% but exceeding the 6% consensus. São Paulo housing, food, transportation and education prices declined, while personal expenses, health and clothing costs increased. Paraguay’s monthly prices were unchanged after falling 0.1% in July. In the Philippines, easing food and utility price growth helped annual inflation slow for a fourth consecutive month, while transport inflation accelerated after renewed fuel price increases and monthly consumer prices rose 0.6%. Core inflation declined to 4.1% from 4.2%, and January-August average inflation was 5.2%, above the government’s 2%-4% target range and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ 3% annual target. The central bank raised its policy rate by 0.25 percentage point for a third consecutive time the previous week and has signaled openness to further tightening. The Philippines had the highest inflation and second-lowest growth among major Southeast Asian economies in the second quarter, while the peso was Asia’s worst-performing currency this year. Reliance on Middle Eastern imports for more than 90% of oil demand leaves the country exposed to supply disruptions and price volatility.