Local stocks retreat on debt concerns, US trade talks
Philippine stock investors cashed out for the weekend after the government reported higher national debt, while there is also concern over the deadline for US trade negotiations next week.
The main index dropped 73.41 points or 1.13 percent to close at 6,395.57 on Friday, July 4, with the Property counter leading the retreat across the board. Volume weakened to 1.12 billion shares worth P6.62 billion as losers outpaced gainers 111 to 85 with 54 unchanged.
“Philippine shares were sold down as investors booked profits despite June inflation print coming in relatively stable at 1.4 percent,” said Regina Capital Development Corporation Managing Director Luis Limlingan.
Philstocks Financial Research Manager Japhet Tantiangco said “Investors took a cautious stance amid global trade concerns as the US’ trade negotiations deadline draws near. Investors also digested the further increase in our national government’s outstanding debt last May.”
Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said the PSEi saw healthy profit-taking after the slight pickup in headline inflation data and new record high in outstanding national government debt. He noted that “bills and other government measures versus online gambling activities led to some decline in the stock prices of some listed gaming companies.”