Local stocks halt slide on bargain hunting, US rally
Published Oct 21, 2025 05:09 pm
The Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) halted a three-day losing streak, edging higher as bargain hunters entered the market, encouraged by upbeat US equities.
The main index gained 9.46 points, or 0.16 percent, to close at 6,093.53 on Tuesday, Oct. 21. Only the Industrial and Services sectors posted gains.
Trading volume rose but remained weak, with 1.31 billion shares valued at ₱5.24 billion changing hands. Decliners overwhelmed advancers, 127 to 84, with 47 stocks unchanged.
"The market ended in the green after three consecutive days of losses, driven by bargain hunting among investors," said Luis Limlingan, Managing Director at Regina Capital Development Corp.
He noted sentiment remains cautious due to the Philippine peso’s continued depreciation against the dollar and a narrowing balance of payments in September.
Philstocks Financial Research Manager Japhet Tantiangco said the “local market bounced back from a three-day decline as bargain hunting prevailed. The positive cues from Wall Street helped in Tuesday’s rebound.”
Michael Ricafort, Chief Economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., cited the slight recovery was also supported by the central bank's updated rules giving more overseas Filipinos investment options.
Specifically, Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA) Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) are now exempt from the non-resident ownership rule that previously limited their ability to invest in Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) securities.
Ricafort also pointed to continued growth in local construction permits and recent gains in US stock markets, which neared record highs following signals of easing US-China tensions ahead of upcoming meetings.