The Philippine Stock Exchange index extended its upward momentum on Thursday, eking out modest gains even as the peso gave back some of the strength it posted in the previous session.
The PSEi rose 0.08 percent to close at 6,625.46, while the broader All Shares index advanced 0.37 percent to 3,653.71, reflecting continued selective buying across the market.
Most sectoral gauges finished in positive territory, led by Property shares, which surged 1.82 percent, followed by Mining and Oil at 1.75 percent. Holding Firms added 0.46 percent, while Industrials edged up 0.24 percent. These gains offset losses in Services, which fell 0.81 percent, and Financials, which slipped marginally by 0.02 percent.
Trading activity remained steady, with volume reaching 848.7 million shares valued at ₱8.05 billion. Market breadth was positive as advancers outpaced decliners, 125 to 70, with 74 issues ending unchanged.
In the currency market, the peso weakened slightly, closing at 57.60 against the US dollar from Wednesday’s 57.51 finish. The local unit opened at 57.55 and moved within a 57.47 to 57.64 range, averaging 57.55 for the day. Dollar turnover reached $1.41 billion, lower than the previous session’s $1.77 billion.
Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation chief economist Michael Ricafort said the peso’s pullback partly reflected market reaction to reports that Donald Trump is set to sign a directive increasing US global tariffs to 15 percent, a development that could strengthen demand for the dollar.
Despite the decline, Ricafort noted that the peso remains near its strongest levels in more than five months, last seen on Sept. 24, 2025, when it settled at 57.46, underscoring the currency’s broader resilience amid shifting global signals.
