PSEi ends week flat as investors worry about global uncertainties
The Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) ended the week slightly higher as investors stayed cautious amid global uncertainties and despite positive news at home.
The benchmark PSEi rose 0.14 percent or 8.87 points on Friday to close at 6,390.91. This nudged a sideways session into positive territory.
Toby Allan Arce, head of sales trading at Globalinks Securities and Stocks, Inc., said local stocks finished the session slightly higher but largely flat. This, as investors navigated, is a cautious trading environment shaped by persistent global volatility and mixed domestic signals.
“The index managed to edge up by the close after spending much of the day oscillating between gains and losses, reflecting tentative buying interest rather than a decisive shift in sentiment,” Arce said.
“Local stocks found modest support from bargain hunting following recent consolidation, but upside remained capped as traders stayed defensive amid ongoing uncertainty in global markets,” he added.
Philstocks financial research manager Japhet Tantiangco said market sentiment was also lifted by the peso’s appreciation against the US dollar, although trading activity remained subdued.
Net value turnover stood at P5.45 billion. Foreign investors were net buyers, recording net inflows of P553.15 million.
Sector-wise, the financials index led gains, climbing 0.79 percent. Mining and oil were the worst performers, dropping 1.52 percent.
Decliners outnumbered advancers, 122 to 80.
Ayala Corp. emerged as the session’s top index contributor, surging 3.15 percent to P539.50.
Converge ICT Solutions, Inc. was the main drag, sliding 6.25 percent to P13.50.
Arce said the local market’s restrained performance came against the backdrop of a continued rout in US technology shares. This dragged Wall Street lower for a third consecutive session overnight.
“Although Philippine equities have limited direct exposure to big-tech names, the broader risk-off mood filtered through to regional markets, encouraging investors to remain selective and avoid aggressive positioning,” he said.
“Overall, the market’s slightly higher but flat close underscored a wait-and-see stance, with investors balancing global risk aversion against domestic policy support,” he added.
