The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) slipped by 0.07 percent to close at 6,419.05 on Tuesday, as global trade uncertainties continued to cloud investor sentiment. The pullback came amid growing anxiety over the lack of progress in U.S. trade negotiations ahead of a looming tariff deadline, raising fears of reciprocal duties that could slow global commerce.
Investor caution was further reinforced by the latest remarks from the U.S. Federal Reserve, which noted that President Donald Trump’s tariff policies are complicating the central bank’s efforts toward policy easing.
Still, late-session buying helped trim losses and allowed the local bourse to hold above the 6,400 mark. Trading remained active, with net value turnover reaching P7.62 billion. Foreign investors posted net buying worth P258.04 million.
Sectoral performance was mixed. Property led the gainers with a 0.60 percent increase, while mining and oil dragged the most, shedding 2.05 percent. Market breadth was negative, with 111 decliners edging out 76 advancers.
According to Luis Limlingan, head of sales at Regina Capital Development Corporation, “Philippine shares stayed afloat above the 6,400 level as investors maintained a cautious stance, closely monitoring the market ahead of Friday’s inflation report for signals on future economic conditions.”
Wall Street’s overnight performance was also mixed, as U.S. investors weighed President Trump’s sweeping tax and spending proposal dubbed the “Big, Beautiful Bill,” which recently gained Senate approval. In commodities, gold prices climbed as investors sought safe-haven assets, while oil prices held steady amid expectations of an OPEC+ production increase in August.
Meanwhile, the peso opened at 56.27 against the US dollar and closed at 56.365, with an average rate of 56.341 for the day, based on data from the Banker’s Association of the Philippines.