The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) started the week on a soft note as share prices declined amid a lack of fresh catalysts.
The main index dropped 27.05 points, or 0.43 percent, to close at 6,288.88. Sectoral indices were mixed. Volume declined to 747 million shares worth ₱6.18 billion, as losers beat gainers—105 to 85, with 63 unchanged.
“The PSEi closed [lower] as the market appears to be experiencing some profit-taking from names that increased last week,” said Regina Capital Development Corp. Managing Director Luis Limlingan.
He added that, “Moreover, on a broader scale, market seems to be in a consolidation phase, with investors likely waiting for more news before taking clearer directions.”
The market is now bracing for key data this week, including initial United States (US) jobless claims and housing starts, which could steer investors’ sentiments.
Philstocks Financial Research Manager Japhet Tantiangco said, “The local market’s sideways movement closed in the negative territory as investors sold off shares amid the lack of fresh leads. Trading was anemic, reflecting poor investors’ confidence toward the market amid the lack of a catalyst.”
Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) Chief Economist Michael Ricafort said, “The PSE composite index was slightly lower after the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) already raised a total of ₱507.2 billion as the retail treasury bond (RTB) offering period ended on Aug. 15, 2025, ₱425.5 billion of which are new funds that siphoned off some of the excess liquidity from the financial system, as competing alternative investment.”