The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) touched the 7,000 intraday level on Friday, March 1, but late profit taking pulled down the index as the week came to a close.
The main index slipped by 25.12 points or 0.36 percent to close at 6,919.59 with Banks leading the retreat although the Property and Industrial counters advanced. Volume dropped to 909 million shares worth P5.61 billion as gainers still outnumbered losers 109 to 78 with 49 unchanged.
“Philippine shares succumbed to profit taking after reaching the 7,000 level intraday, while Wall St. wrapped its fourth winning month yesterday, buoyed by artificial intelligence boom and hopes for rate cuts,” said Regina Capital Development Corporation Managing Director Luis Limlingan.
Philstocks Financial Assistant Research Manager Claire Alviar said, "the local bourse dropped as investors took some gains at the last minute. The possibility that the inflation rate in February would be higher than in January weighed on sentiment.”
“Meanwhile, the market traded mostly in the green territory attributed to the positive cues from the US markets as the US’ personal consumption expenditures price index for January came in line with expectations,” she noted.