The Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) rebounded on Thursday, 25 June 2026, closing at 6,071.06, up 79.69 points, or 1.33 percent, while the peso strengthened to P61.29 per US dollar as easing geopolitical tensions improved investor sentiment.

Bargain hunters returned to the local bourse following Wednesday’s steep selloff, accumulating beaten-down blue chips, particularly International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICT). Meanwhile, easing tensions in the Middle East triggered a pullback in global crude oil prices, boosting risk appetite across regional markets.

Improved trading activity

Trading activity also improved, with value turnover reaching P6.66 billion, exceeding the year-to-date daily average of approximately P6.47 billion. Foreign investors were modest net buyers, posting net inflows of P40.75 million after several sessions of selling.

Sector performance reflected the improved sentiment, with Services leading the advance, rising 3.71 percent, largely driven by ICT, which rebounded 5.17 percent to P895.00 after Wednesday’s sharp decline.

Mining & Oil was the weakest-performing sector, falling 4.82 percent as softer crude oil prices weighed on energy and coal-related stocks. Semirara Mining and Power Corp. was the session’s biggest laggard, declining 4.36 percent to P23.05.

Peso recovers

The peso likewise recovered against the US dollar, closing at P61.29 from Wednesday’s P61.552, an appreciation of 26.2 centavos, or about 0.43 percent. The currency traded within a range of P61.29 to P61.60, while the Bankers Association of the Philippines weighted average rate settled at P61.389, compared with P61.558 the previous day. Total spot foreign exchange turnover reached approximately US$1.63 billion.

The peso’s recovery was driven largely by improving global risk sentiment as geopolitical concerns eased. International crude oil prices retreated sharply after fears of a prolonged disruption to Middle East oil supplies subsided, with indications that the ceasefire between Israel and Iran was holding and reducing immediate concerns over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Investors trim safe-haven positions

Lower oil prices eased expectations of higher imported inflation for oil-importing economies such as the Philippines, supporting regional currencies, including the peso. At the same time, the US dollar weakened against several Asian currencies as investors trimmed safe-haven positions accumulated during the height of geopolitical tensions.