The local stock market bounced back from early losses after the government announced that the inflation rate has eased.
The main index rose 50.13 points or 0.71 percent to close at 7,091.40 as the Services and Financials counters led the advance while the Industrial and Property sectors retreated slightly. Volume was higher but still weak at 973 million shares worth P6.94 billion as losers outnumbered gainers 108 to 86 with 50 unchanged.
“The local market staged a last minute rebound on the back of bargain hunting. The market started the day in the positive territory, but was later on brought down due to COVID-19 worries before the last minute comeback,” said Philstocks Financial Senior Supervisor for Research Japhet Tantiangco.
He added that, “Giving a boost to sentiment was our December 2021 inflation print which came at 3.6 percent , declining from the preceding month’s 4.2 percent ."
“Foreign investors also helped in the rise with net inflows for the day amounting to P276.15 million," Tantiangco said.
Regina Capital Development Corporation Managing Director Luis Limlingan said “Philippine shares closed in the green as Omicron concerns dissipated with many pointing that symptoms are milder versus the Delta variant and the possibility of herd immunity.”