Investors took profits from the local stock market after last week’s rally while waiting for a fresh batch of Philippine and US economic news.
The main index dropped 42.34 points or 0.62 percent to close at 6,807.82 as the Property sector led the decline with only the Services counter managing to advance. Volume was weak though at 510 million shares worth P4.19 billion as losers beat gainers 106 to 81 with 51 unchanged.
“Investors took profit as many will be awaiting the latest results from the MSCI rebalancing and some key economic data in the US this week,” said Regina Capital Development Corporation Managing Director Luis Limlingan.
The key economic data this week in the U.S are the release of the latest inflation print on Feb. 13, retail sales on Feb. 15, and PPI on Feb. 16.
“Here at home, investors await the latest figures on the FDI (Feb. 12) and MB's interest rate decision on Thursday,” he added.
Philstocks Financial Assistant Research Manager Claire Alviar said, “the local bourse dropped as investors took some gains following 5 consecutive days of market rally.”
“Many investors were also cautious while waiting for the BSP’s policy meeting this week,” she noted.