The Philippine Stock Exchange benchmark index (PSEi) inched up following generally positive economic news, including employment and manufacturing data.
The main index added 8.36 points, or 0.13 percent, to close at 6,433.60. Only conglomerates and services advanced, while most sectors were down. Volume declined to 1.06 billion shares worth ₱6.96 billion, as gainers outnumbered losers—104 to 96, with 56 unchanged.
“Local shares closed higher, lifted by dovish expectations on the BSP’s [Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas] policy stance following soft June inflation data,” said Regina Capital Development Corp. Managing Director Luis Limlingan.
He added that, “Sentiment also improved as investors downplayed the near-term impact of US [United States] tariff threats after President Donald Trump announced new import duties effective Aug. 1, pending trade negotiations.”
Philstocks Financial Research Manager Japhet Tantiangco said, “The local market extended its rise as investors continued to cheer the extension of the US' reciprocal tariff deadline to Aug. 1, giving the Philippines more time to strike a trade deal with the US. Dovish expectations toward the BSP's policy outlook amid benign inflation also helped in today's session.”
Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said the PSEi posted slight gains for the second straight trading day after mostly better local economic data lately on employment, manufacturing (monthly integrated survey of selected statistics or MISSI), bank loans, and gross international reserves (GIR).
“Also after Trump signaled openness to trade talks after setting tariffs on some countries, as extended to Aug. 1, 2025 (instead of July 9, 2025) that could lead to some compromise on the said tariff rates (given Trump’s 'TACO' [Trump Always Chickens Out] track record in recent weeks or months or openness to bring down tariffs),” he noted.