The local stock market rose further on follow-through buying after last week’s cut in a key policy rate.
The main index rose by 42.50 points or 0.62 percent to close at 6,889.87 led by the interest-rate sensitive Property sector although Industrials and Conglomerates declined on profit-taking. Volume grew to 625 million shares worth P7.62 billion as losers beat gainers 104 to 94 with 54 unchanged.
“Philippine shares traded above the 6900 territory intraday before settling a few points below, as investors continued to buy into the market following news last week of the first BSP rate cut in several years, and the recent upgrade of Japan Credit Rating Agency to A- with a stable outlook,” said Regina Capital Development Corporation Managing Director Luis Limlingan.
He added that, “For the shortened trading period, the key economic data releases this week in the US are the jobless claims and existing home sales reports on Thursday. The minutes from the July FOMC meeting will be released on Wednesday.
Philstocks Financial Research Manager Japhet Tantiangco said "The local market extended its rise this Monday as i nvestors continued to draw optimism from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ recent policy rate cut as well as the prospect of further monetary policy easing moving forward."
"The positive spillovers from Wall Street’s performance last Friday driven by growing confidence on the US economy also helped in today’s session," he noted.