PSEi buoyed by stronger peso, foreign buying
Local stocks extended their climb on Wednesday, with the benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) rising for another session as investors drew support from a stronger peso and upbeat bank lending data.
The local stock barometer gained 0.37 percent, or 24.22 points, to close at 6,498.82.
Ron Acoba, chief investment strategist at Trading Edge Consultancy, said the PSEi— after dipping to an interim low of 6,215 due to weaker-than-expected fourth quarter of 2025 gross domestic product growth—demonstrated notable resilience.
“The subsequent rebound to just below 6,400 indicates that investors are still finding value in local equities despite macroeconomic headwinds,” Acoba said.
“Relative to the broader weakness in US markets, the PSEi’s ability to maintain its levels suggests a strong underlying market sentiment and defensive positioning among domestic investors,” he added.
The local market finished higher, backed by the appreciation of the local currency.
Investors also welcomed the country’s latest bank lending figures, which showed loans expanding by 9.2 percent year-on-year in December.
Philstocks financial research manager Japhet Tantiangco said trading activity was firm, with net value turnover reaching P7.58 billion, higher than the year-to-date average of P6.44 billion.
Foreign investors were net buyers during the session, recording net inflows of P834.62 million, providing additional lift.
Sector performance was mixed, with the mining and oil index leading gains after climbing 1.55 percent.
