PSEi ends 2025 lower, caps yearlong slide
The Philippine stock market wrapped up 2025 on a subdued note, with the benchmark index slipping in its final trading session amid thin holiday volumes, sealing a year marked by caution and uneven investor sentiment.
By the closing bell, the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) dipped by 0.21 percent to 6,052.92, extending its year-to-date decline to 7.29 percent.
Trading activity remained muted, reflecting a market largely on pause as investors weighed lingering economic uncertainties heading into 2026.
Philstocks financial research manager Japhet Tantiangco said the index spent much of the final session in positive territory as bargain hunting lifted select stocks.
However, late-session selling pressure dragged the market lower, underscoring the fragile confidence that characterized the tail end of the year.
Market turnover stood at P4.03 billion, below typical levels, as many participants stayed on the sidelines.
Foreign investors continued to pare their exposure, posting net outflows of P168.74 million, according to exchange data.
Mixed performance
Sectoral performance was mixed. Conglomerates led the gainers, advancing 1.09 percent, while mining stocks weighed on the market, sliding 1.17 percent.
Market breadth was positive, with advancers edging out decliners, 139 to 75.
Alliance Global Group Inc. emerged as the day’s top index performer, surging 6.36 percent to P8.19, while SM Prime Holdings Inc. dragged on the benchmark after falling 3.60 percent to P22.75.
The year-end finish capped a challenging stretch for the local bourse, which struggled to gain sustained momentum amid concerns over economic growth prospects, inflation risks and global policy uncertainties.
Despite intermittent rallies driven by selective buying, the market ultimately failed to recover losses accumulated earlier in the year.
As the PSEi heads into 2026 below the 6,100 level, investors are expected to remain cautious, awaiting clearer signals on domestic economic conditions and external developments that could shape market direction in the months ahead.
