Peso continues to weigh on stocks
The local stock market dropped further as investors wait for fresh economic data while sentiment is dampened by the continued weakness of the Philippine peso.
The main index shed 26.44 points or 0.40 percent to close at 6,607.22 as Banks led the decline while Services and Conglomerates managed to advance. Volume reached 1.34 billion shares worth P5.36 billion as losers outnumbered gainers 111 to 82 with 50 unchanged.
“Investors remained on the sidelines as many eagerly await US index heavyweight Nvidia’s latest earnings report,” said Regina Capital Development Corporation Managing Director Luis Limlingan.
He added that, “Traders are also anticipating the minutes from the recent FOMC meeting and April’s existing home sales data.”
Philstocks Financial Assistant Research Manager Claire Alviar said “The local market extended its decline as the Philippine peso remained below the P58 mark against the US dollar. The peso's weakening could have many negative impacts on our economy, one of which is the upward pressure it may exert on inflation if this trend persists.”