Philippine growth misses forecast as risks loom

The Philippine economy grew slower than expected in the third quarter, as risks from a leadership change next year and the El Nino dry spell loomed, the government said Thursday. The slowdown comes after years of sustained growth in the Philippines, formerly known as the "Sick Man" of Asia because of its poor economic performance. Gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by 6.0 percent in the July to September period, faster than 5.8 in the previous quarter but below the 6.3-percent median expectat