Optimism grows, mobility fears rise

Forty percent of Filipinos believe the economy has improved this year-the largest share of any sentiment group-yet a growing number of middle-class individuals expect to slip down the socioeconomic ladder over the next five years.

- Derco Rosal

Peak Reinsurance Co. Ltd. (Peak Re) reported that while 39 percent of surveyed Filipinos see a slight improvement in the national economy this year, and about half expect a gradual recovery through 2026, long-term personal financial confidence is wavering.

The findings are part of a study by the Hong Kong-based firm focusing on middle-class perspectives across seven Asian markets.