US News Article /research/markets and sectors * Philippine peso appreciates 1% * Equities in the region mixed * China keeps benchmark lending rates unchanged By Himanshi Akhand Feb 20 (Reuters) - Emerging Asian currencies edged higher on Monday, with the Philippine peso and the Thai baht leading gains, while fears that the U.S. Federal Reserve could keep interest rates higher for longer kept risk appetite in check. The baht appreciated as much as 0.8% after weakening 2.4% last week.