​​PSEi slips anew as tariff concerns drag sentiment

The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) ended slightly lower on Friday, shedding 3.35 points or 0.05 percent to close at 6,459.88, as persistent concerns over global trade tensions continued to dampen investor confidence.

The local bourse moved sideways for most of the session, weighed down by lingering anxiety over the impending 20 percent US tariff on Philippine exports, which is set to take effect on 1 August.

Market participation remained muted, with net value turnover at P5.79 billion – below the year-to-date average of P5.81 billion. Despite the tepid trading, foreign investors were net buyers, posting net inflows of P62.47 million.

Sectoral performance was mixed. Industrials led the gainers, rising by 0.91 percent, while the property sector lagged, falling by 0.79 percent. Market breadth was slightly positive, with 100 advancers edging out 81 decliners, while 47 issues were unchanged.

Meanwhile, the peso opened at 56.55 against the US dollar and strengthened to close at 56.47. The weighted average stood at 56.471, according to the Bankers Association of the Philippines.