Local share prices weakened further as investors worry over the new strain of the coronavirus that is causing a spike in COVID-19 cases. The main index dropped 86.33 points or 1.21 percent to close at 7,047.85 as all sectors lost ground.
Volume remained high at 22.68 billion shares worth P11.91 billion as losers outnumbered gainers two to one at 146 to 74 with 45 unchanged.
“The local market extended its losses as pandemic worries weighed on investor sentiment. This comes as the new COVID-19 variant spreads throughout the world putting at risk the global economic recovery,” said Philstocks Financial Senior Analyst Japhet Tantiangco.
Regina Capital Development Corporation Managing Director Luis said “Local shares succumbed to profit taking await as investors await the outcome of two electoral races in Georgia that will determine control of the Senate.”
He noted that the market is apprehensive after one person tested positive for the new strain of the virus after arriving in Hong Kong from the Philippines.
AAA Equities Head of Research Chris Mangun said “The PSEi took a substantial loss today as optimism brought by the new year fades.”
He added that, “Selling pressure picked up heavily with prices going into free fall. The main index fell below 7,000, which triggered even more selling as that has been the psychological support level."
However, he said “The market started recovering about an hour before noon as buyers came in and picked up heavily battered shares.”(JAL)