Electricity Costs Debate: The Management Association of the Philippines urged tougher action against power utilities and electric co-ops with high system losses, saying consumers shouldn’t pay for pilferage and operational inefficiencies. US Labor Market: New data showed the US economy shed 23,000 jobs in July, with revisions worsening the picture and raising fresh pressure on the Fed as inflation and retail sales loom. Wall Street Watch: Ahead of CPI, PPI and retail sales, markets are bracing for signals on prices and consumer spending. Defense Supply Push: The Trump administration pledged $3 billion for critical minerals and battery projects, including DoD-backed loans tied to lithium, scandium and magnets. Retail & Consumer Tech: KPN reversed a €1 monthly mobile malware-filter charge after consumer backlash, allowing opt-outs and refunds. Markets in Motion: Pakistan’s SBP injected Rs 3,276.6bn via open market operations; Nepal’s Nepse slid 35 points, wiping about Rs70bn in value. Ukraine-Russia Trade Hit: Kyiv drones targeted Wildberries warehouses in Russia’s Urals, disrupting the retail giant’s logistics. Property & Housing Signals: Zillow reported a 7% jump in July home sales, but pending listings barely rose, hinting the pipeline may be drying up.