Stocks bounce on bargain-hunting
By JAMES A. LOYOLA
The local equities market bounced after a series of losses as investors started to pick up cheaper stocks.
The main index added 43.85 points or 0.68 percent to close at 6,458.12 with the Services sector leading the advance although Banks lagged behind. Volume dropped to 509 million shares worth P5.58 billion as gainers outnumbered losers 90 to 77 with 48 unchanged.
“Investors turned bargain hunters finally in the Philippines, as the fading Santa Claus rally in the US increased recession concerns,” said Regina Capital Development Corporation Managing Director Luis Limlingan.
Philstocks Financial Assistant Research Manager Claire Alviar said “This Tuesday, the local bourse gained due to bargain hunting following three straight days of the market decline.”
She added that, “Moreover, the NEDA Secretary's statement that the Philippine economic growth this year may surpass the target, and China's pledge to stabilize its economy in 2023 and maintain ample liquidity in financial markets to meet key targets lifted the sentiment.”