2012.06.04 06:13:24 MARKET TALK: Philippine Inflation May Hit 3.1% In May - HSBC

0413 GMT [Dow Jones] HSBC expects Philippines inflation in May to rise to 3.1% on-year from 3.0% in April due to stronger consumer demand. "Easing oil prices has helped dampen some inflationary pressure but ample liquidity and strong consumer demand will continue to push prices up, although it would still be within the lower-end of the 3%-5% target," says Trinh Nguyen, an economist at HSBC. She says that with growth less of a concern at this stage and inflationary pressure expected to flare up, the central bank has room to keep interest rates steady and accommodative. (cris.larano@dowjones.com) Contact us in Singapore. 65 64154 140; MarketTalk@dowjones.com (END) Dow Jones Newswires June 04, 2012 00:13 ET (04:13 GMT)