Investors jittery with anticipated GDP results even as peso strengthens further
Foreign investors were net sellers, adding to the downside pressure. On a brighter note, the peso strengthened slightly to P59.09 per dollar, improving from P59.16 in the previous session.
The Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) ended the week on a sour note, sliding 1.02 percent to 6,333.26, as investors turned cautious ahead of the release of fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 GDP data next week on 29 January.
Risk appetite faded as market participants opted to stay on the sidelines while waiting for clearer signals on the country’s growth trajectory.
Subdued trading
Trading activity was subdued, with net value turnover at P5.17 billion, below the year-to-date average of P6.04 billion. Foreign investors were net sellers, posting P574.16 million in net outflows, which added to the downside pressure.
Sector performance was broadly negative. Mining stocks were the lone gainers, rising 2.76 percent, while banks suffered the heaviest losses, falling 1.16 percent. Market breadth reflected the cautious tone, with losers outnumbering gainers, 119 to 86.
Peso up slightly
On the bright side, the peso strengthened slightly to P59.09 per dollar, improving from P59.16 in the previous session.
The modest recovery came as global dollar momentum eased, with some investors paring back long-dollar positions after the recent surge.
A calmer tone in global markets and a pause in oil price gains helped reduce immediate pressure on import-dependent currencies like the peso.