PSEi climbs as investors anticipate rate cuts, US market strength
The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) inched up Tuesday, July 22, as US markets reached new highs, while local investors continued to hope for an imminent rate cut.
The main index added 2.95 points, or 0.05 percent, to close at 6,355.69. Mining stocks led the advancers, while Services and Conglomerates lagged. Volume declined to 1.07 billion shares valued at P5 billion. Gainers slightly edged out losers 97 to 96, with 45 issues unchanged.
"The PSEi remains above the 6,350 mark, holding modest gains as sentiment showed slight improvement despite lower-than-usual market volume,” said Luis Limlingan, Managing Director of Regina Capital Development Corporation.
He noted that, “Technical setups hint at renewed confidence while still cautious after last week's dip, most likely awaiting the development of trade discussions in Washington this week and upcoming corporate earnings.”
Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation Chief Economist Michael Ricafort stated that the PSEi rose for the third consecutive trading day. This comes as President Marcos is scheduled to meet US President Trump on July 22, 2025 (US time zone), a meeting that could potentially lead to a trade deal.
Ricafort also cited “the latest dovish signals from Department of Finance Secretary Recto on possible 0.50 [percentage point] BSP rate cuts for the rest of 2025, of which, a possible 0.25 [percentage point] rate cut as early as the next BSP rate-setting meeting on August 28, 2025.”