The capital market failed to remain in the green after it declined by 7.19 points or 0.11 percent to 6,575.67 on Thursday due to last-minute profit-taking.

Philstocks Financial Inc. assistant manager for research and online engagement Claire Alviar noted that the market fell below the 6,600 support level as "investors took some gains amid a lack of positive catalyst while waiting for the decision of the Federal Reserve and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on interest rates."

Upon closing, the market's value turnover hit P5.48 billion. Of the index members, San Miguel Corporation had the biggest gain of 3.16 percent while Monde Nissin Corp. lost the most by 3.33 percent.

Inflation threats persist

In a statement on Thursday, BDO Securities head of research Abigail Chiw pointed out that the bourse remains vulnerable to inflation risks given its status as a food and energy importer Inflation slowed to 6.3 percent in August, from 6.4 percent in July due to easing oil prices and slower increases in food prices.

Chiw, however, noted that while elevated inflation remains the key risk for equities and earnings growth, investors can look at stocks with strong balance sheets and resilient business models.

"Investors can explore stocks that offer products and services with enduring demand and cost pass-through structure as these are better positioned to manage inflation headwinds," she added.

For the consumer sector, Chiw said investors can look at Puregold, Robinsons Retail, and D&L Industries; while BPI, Metrobank, and Security Bank are decent picks for the financial sector.

Ayala Land, Megaworld and Robinsons Land are the stock picks for the property sector, while Alliance Global, SM Investments, and GT Capital are strong bets among the conglomerates.

BDO Securities is a full-service, multi -product securities distribution house, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of BDO Unibank's investment banking arm BDO Capital & Investment Corporation.