The local stock market ended lower as investors pocketed gains from the PSEi’s four-day advance last week, as investors exercise caution amid developments in the Middle East and while waiting for more economic data.

The main index lost 43.33 points or 0.78 percent to close at 6,364.94 with the Services sector leading the retreat, although the Property counter bucked the trend. Volume rose to 1.05 billion shares worth P7.89 billion as gainers actually outnumbered losers 108 to 82, with 61 unchanged.

“The local bourse opened higher on quarter-end window dressing but closed in the red as investors booked gains ahead of key data releases,” said Regina Capital Development Corporation Managing Director Luis Limlingan.

He noted that, “Focus is on Friday’s June inflation print and Tuesday’s PMI and business confidence readings, with easing inflation likely to support BSP rate cut hopes. In the U.S., markets await Thursday’s jobs data and Powell’s remarks to gauge Fed policy direction.” Philstocks Financial Research Manager Japhet Tantiangco said “The local market ended in the negative territory as investors booked profits on the final minutes of the trading day. This comes after the bourse posted four consecutive days of gains. Investors also took a cautious stance while waiting for fresh leads.”

Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said the PSEi “corrected lower after gaining for four straight trading days, considered a healthy profit-taking, with the decline seen in the final minutes of the last trading day of June 2025.”

This is after the BSP downgraded its estimates for the balance of payments (BOP) and components amid external uncertainties recently and after Iran denied that nuclear talks with the US are scheduled to resume, contrary to earlier signals from Trump for a meeting between the US and Iran as early as this week.