GDP figures weigh on PSE, peso

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) opened the week lower, closing Monday at 6,297.08, down 0.50 percent, as concerns over the economy’s momentum continued to weigh on sentiment following weak Q4 2025 GDP performance.

Investors remained cautious, trimming positions despite relatively active trading. Net value turnover reached P7.14 billion, above the year-to-date average of P6.56 billion, indicating continued participation even amid the pullback.

Services the only sector to finish higher

Sectoral performance saw services as the only sector to finish higher, gaining 1.43 percent, while mining stocks suffered the steepest losses, plunging 13.61 percent after a pullback in precious metal prices. Market breadth was negative, with losers outnumbering gainers, 128 to 79.

RL Commercial REIT (RCR) made its debut on the benchmark index today, climbing 4.85 percent to P7.57, closing as the day’s best performer.

On the other hand, the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) finished in last place today, sliding 6.61 percent to P115.80.

Peso slightly weaker

On Monday, the peso closed at P58.89 per dollar, slightly weaker than P58.86 in the previous session.

The marginal depreciation came as the US dollar firmed modestly, supported by cautious positioning ahead of upcoming US economic data and lingering expectations that US interest rates will remain elevated for longer.

Locally, the peso also faced mild pressure from risk-averse sentiment following the disappointing GDP report, which tempered demand for peso assets.

Still, the move was limited by continued foreign inflows into local equities and relatively stable market conditions, keeping the peso within its recent P58.8–P59.0 trading range.