PSEi gains on dovish BSP outlook, US tariff extension
The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) gained on Monday, July 7, buoyed by another extension of the deadline for the United States’ (US) imposition of higher tariffs.
The main index added 29.67 points, or 0.46 percent, to close at 6,425.24. Banks led the advance, while mining and conglomerate shares weighed on the benchmark. Volume was strong at 910 million shares valued at ₱7.78 billion. Losers outpaced gainers, 100 to 96, with 66 unchanged.
“The local market closed higher, backed by dovish expectations on the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas' (BSP) policy outlook following June’s weak inflation print,” said Japhet Tantiangco, Philstocks Financial Research Manager.
He added that “investors also digested the US’ decision to move the reciprocal tariffs implementation to Aug. 1 for those who are not able to strike a trade deal with the country yet.”
Regina Capital Development Corp. Managing Director Luis Limlingan noted, “Philippine shares closed slightly above the 6,420 level, ahead of upcoming employment and industrial data to be released tomorrow.”
Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort attributed the PSEi's slight gain to the second straight week of rollbacks in local fuel pump prices, which could support benign inflation.
He also noted the market continued to feel the positive effects of the Capital Markets Efficiency Promotions Act (CMEPA) Law, which reduced the stock transaction tax (STT) and documentary stamp tax (DST), potentially attracting more international and local investors.