The Philippine stock market ended the week lower, as investors worried about the inflationary effects of higher oil prices due to the Israel-Iran conflict, coupled with a weaker peso.
The main index shed 17.24 points, or 0.27 percent, to close at 6,339.77 on Friday, June 20. The Industrial sector led the decline, while Conglomerates and Miners advanced. Volume rose to 1.32 billion shares worth ₱12.27 billion, with losers beating gainers 120 to 67 and 50 unchanged.
Philippine stocks and US stock futures dipped as investors stayed cautious over the unresolved Israel-Iran conflict, with Trump mulling a possible US strike on Tehran, said Luis Limlingan, Managing Director of Regina Capital Development Corporation.
He added that the PSEi declined as investors sold on news following the BSP's decision to cut interest rates yesterday, while other portfolios rebalanced their position in time for the deadline of the FTSE rebalance.
Philstocks Financial Research Manager Japhet Tantiangco said, The local market declined as Israel-Iran tensions continued to weigh on sentiment, especially with the US considering the possibility of getting involved in the conflict.
Investors also dealt with the economic consequences of the conflict, including the rise in oil prices and the depreciation of the Peso.
Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said the PSEi was lower after global crude oil prices still hovered among 4.5-month highs at $75 per barrel for the Nymex crude oil price (though slightly lower lately) and the US dollar-peso exchange rate remained among two-month highs at 57.20 levels (though slightly lower versus the previous trading day’s 57.45).
He added that both factors could lead to higher local fuel pump prices, estimated at least ₱4 per liter for diesel and at least ₱2 per liter for gasoline, which could also lead to higher importation costs and some pickup in overall inflation.