WELLNESS IN BUSINESS: Phil gets another investment grading upgrade. This time from Korean firm, National Information and Credit Evaluation Ratings Inc

The credit rating raised the country’s long-term, foreign currency rating by a notch to BBB- with a positive outlook, which means further upgrade may be awarded in the short term. “The rating upgrade reflects improved fiscal profile and growth potential, robust stability in the financial market and the external sector, and the government’s continuing efforts to improve governance and infrastructure,” NICE said in a statement. The firm stressed that key factors considered for the rating included the strong economic growth of 7.2 percent achieved in 2013 although this is forecast to slow to six percent this year. NICE noted that the deceleration will be on the back of a “normal economic adjustment” as the growth momentum is seen being sustained. The credit rating agency also pointed out the stability of Philippine financial markets despite global sell-offs of emerging market assets since May last year.