The local stock market gained despite some profit-taking as investors wait for the February’s inflation figures.
The main index added 15.75 points or 0.24 percent to close at 6,671.12 as the Services sector led the advance while Conglomerates declined. Volume fell to 656 million shares worth P4.75 billion as gainer beat losers 102 to 83 with 45 unchanged.
“Philippine shares climbed up slighlty as investors await the release of Feb Inflation Rate tomorrow, while the unemployment rate and industrial production will be released on Thursday and Friday respectively,” said Regina Capital Development Corporation Managing Director Luis Limlingan.
He noted that, “Tomorrow's CPI release may have a huge influence in the direction of the BSP policy stance for the subsequent meetings. “
Philstocks Financial Assistant Research Manager Claire Alviar said “This Monday, the local bourse gained as investors await the February’s inflation rate. Investors await this data as this would give a hint for the decision of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on interest rates.”
She added that, “If it comes higher than January’s 8.7 percent, the BSP may hike rates by 50 bps to tame the elevated inflation.”
In Asia, investors also digested China’s growth target for 2023.