The PSEi eased on thin trades on the last trading day of the week amid lack of cues from the US.
The main index shed 15.25 points or 0.23 percent to close at 6,496.32 with Conglomerates leading the decline while Banks bucked the trend to post a decent gain. Volume was anemic at 1.04 billion shares worth P3.77 billion as gainers edged out losers 98 to 96 with 55 unchanged.
“Philippine shares closed slightly lower to finish below the 6500 mark as the low volumes were brought about by the US markets being on holiday,” said Regina Capital Development Corporation Managing Director Luis Limlingan.
He added that “US equities were unchanged on Thursday as the market closed for a National Day of Mourning for former President Jimmy Carter, with investors awaiting Friday’s December payrolls report.”