The PSE index ended marginally lower as investors remain cautious amid uncertainty over United States (US) tariffs.
The main index shed 3.32 points, or 0.05 percent, to close at 6,459.88, with sectoral indices equally divided. Volume was strong at 4.4 billion shares worth ₱9.45 billion, as gainers outnumbered losers—100 to 81, with 64 unchanged.
“Philippine shares traded slightly in the red, as investors continued to analyze the renewed tariff concerns,” said Regina Capital Development Corp. Managing Director Luis Limlingan.
President Donald Trump announced late Wednesday that a 50-percent US tariff on imported copper will take effect on Aug. 1. He also imposed a similar tariff on Brazilian imports, citing both an “unfair trade relationship” and Brazil’s ongoing trial against former President Jair Bolsonaro over alleged efforts to overturn the 2022 election.
Philstocks Financial Research Manager Japhet Tantiangco said, “The local market moved sideways which closed in the negative territory again as global trade headwinds continued to weigh on sentiment. Investors continued to deal with the US’ 20-percent tariff rate on Philippine exports effective on Aug. 1.”
Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said the PSEi was slightly lower after reports that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will visit Washington, DC on July 20 to 22, 2025—his first trip to the US since Trump became president, while some Philippine economic officials are also scheduled to go to Washington next week to negotiate with the US on trade and to lower tariffs from 20 percent.
However, he said that, “for the week, the PSEi still gained for the second week in three weeks, by 64.31 points or one percent. (vs. the previous week’s -12.70 points or -0.2 percent).