The local stock market took a breather as investors digested recent gains while waiting for fresh economic data here and from overseas.
The main index shed 20.42 points or 0.31 percent to close at 6,609.22 as Conglomerates led the decline while the Property and Industrial counters managed to remain in the green. Volume was thin at 412 million shares worth P4.28 billion as gainers edged out losers 99 to 93 with 51 unchanged.
“Philippine shares succumbed to profit taking at the end of session after trading in the green for most of the day,” said Regina Capital Development Corporation Managing Director Luis Limlingan.
He added that, “This week investors await the inflation data as well as the big bank earnings.”
Philstocks Financial Assistant Research Manager Claire Alviar said “The local bourse dropped as investors took profits on the last minute following the two straight days of market rally. Investors were also assessing the market outlook for the year.”