Philippine stocks retreat as investors await May inflation data
The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) fell on Wednesday, June 4, as investors opted to secure profits from the past two trading sessions while awaiting clearer signals from upcoming inflation figures.
The main index shed 34.3 points (0.53 percent), closing at 6,378.56. The mining sector primarily led the decline, though the Services and Conglomerates sectors saw some gains.
Trading volume improved to 740 million shares valued at ₱6.3 billion. Advancers outnumbered losers 115 to 78, with 45 stocks remaining unchanged.
Regina Capital Development Corporation Managing Director Luis Limlingan noted, “Philippine investors sold ahead of the May CPI [consumer price index] which is slated for release for tomorrow [Thurday] as many are awaiting the final print before making any decisions.”
Philstocks Financial Research Manager Japhet Tantiangco added that "The local market dropped as investors booked gains, following two straight days of rising. Investors also digested the rise in the national government's outstanding debt to a new record of P16.75 trillion.”
Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort pointed out that the PSEi's slight correction also followed the OECD's lowered estimates for both Philippine and global economic growth. He further explained that “The PSEi also corrected slower after better-than-expected US JOLTS job openings data reduced the odds of future Fed rate cuts.”