GDP data pares investors, bolsters peso

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) opened the week on a weaker footing, ending Monday at 6,273.87, down 0.94 percent, as investors remained cautious ahead of the release of the Philippines’ Q4 and full-year 2025 GDP data this Thursday, 29 January. 

Risk appetite was muted, with market participants opting to stay on the sidelines while awaiting clarity on the country’s growth outlook. As such, trading activity remained light, with net value turnover at P5.27 billion. Foreign investors were net sellers, posting P13.06 million in net outflows, adding to the index’s decline.

Mixed sector performance

Sector performance was mixed. Mining stocks led the market, rising 3.23 percent, supported by a continued rally in gold prices, while services recorded the steepest losses, falling 2.07 percent. Market breadth was negative, with decliners outnumbering advancers, 117 to 88. 

Converge ICT Solutions, Inc. (CNVRG) topped the index gainers, climbing 1.94 percent to P15.80.

Peso continues upward climb

Meanwhile, the peso continued its upward climb, strengthening to P58.97 per dollar. The recovery was driven by continued easing global dollar strength, as investors pared back safe-haven positions following calmer geopolitical headlines and a slight pullback in US Treasury yields.

Locally, lighter importer demand and cautious positioning ahead of key domestic data — particularly the upcoming GDP release — also helped support the peso. While the currency remains near multi-year weak levels, today’s move reflects a short-term stabilization as markets reassess risk rather than a decisive shift in the broader trend.