Markets in Flux: From Philippine Peso to Vanguard's Shift, and Pfizer's Weight-Loss Quest

The Philippine peso's recent slide to a record low of 59.38 per dollar has raised eyebrows, with officials signaling a tolerance for further depreciation and traders watching closely for any signs of central bank intervention. But while the peso's weakness makes headlines, other significant developments are unfolding in the world of finance and beyond. In the realm of investing, Vanguard, once synonymous with low-cost index funds, is shifting its strategy. The firm has introduced 15 new ETFs in 2025, its highest annual total since 2010, with an average fee of about 16 basis points – the highest for any year and well above Vanguard's firmwide ETF average of roughly 9 basis points. This move suggests Vanguard may be deliberately venturing into higher-cost areas, testing how far it can move beyond its long-standing identity as the industry's low-cost provider. Meanwhile, Latin America remains an attractive region for investors, according to Mauricio Alvarez, CEO of OTG Asset Management. The OTG Latin America ETF (ticker: OTGL), which invests in equity securities of companies located in Latin America, offers a unique perspective on the region's valuations. Alvarez notes that the fund's management team, based in South America, provides valuable on-the-ground insights. In the world of renewable energy, Orsted A/S has scored a major win in its ongoing fight with the Trump administration. A US judge has ruled that the Danish energy giant can resume development of a wind farm project off the coast of Rhode Island while it challenges the government's latest stop-work order. As the Federal Reserve navigates the complex landscape of monetary policy, the "Fed fight" has reached new heights. The central bank's actions have significant implications for markets and the economy, and investors are watching closely for signs of what's to come. In the realm of venture capital, Lux Capital has raised a $1.5 billion fund to target frontier technology. Partner and co-founder Peter Hebert discusses opportunities in breakthrough science and national security, highlighting the firm's focus on innovative and groundbreaking technologies. On the corporate front, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla is looking for "superior" results on weight-loss drugs, speaking with Katie Greifeld at JPMorgan's annual health-care conference in San Francisco. Bourla also expressed satisfaction with Pfizer's current portfolio. In other news, a former Lazard Ltd. dealmaker has been accused by US authorities of feeding tips on health-care deals to a friend's network of insider traders, generating $41 million of illicit profits. And JPMorgan Chase & Co. is lending Altice USA an additional roughly $1.1 billion to refinance debt before an early repayment penalty kicks in. As the markets continue to evolve, one thing is clear: the landscape is shifting, and investors must adapt to stay ahead. From the peso's weakness to Vanguard's shift and Pfizer's weight-loss quest, the stories unfolding in the world of finance are complex, multifaceted, and far-reaching. Zoetis CEO Kristin Peck notes that higher protein demand is driving demand for livestock vaccines, speaking with Katie Greifeld at JPMorgan's annual health-care conference in San Francisco. This trend highlights the interconnectedness of global markets and the diverse range of factors influencing the economy. As the world of finance continues to navigate these changes, one thing is certain: the next chapter in the story of markets and investing is being written, and it will be shaped by the complex interplay of factors unfolding today.