Local stocks decline as investors seek fresh catalysts
The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) dipped as investors continued to wait for market-moving news.
The main index shed 11.21 points, or 0.18 percent, to close at 6,277.67 on Tuesday, Aug. 19. The Services counter led the decliners, while the Conglomerates and Mining sectors managed to advance. Volume was higher at 1.02 billion shares worth P7.59 billion, as losers beat gainers 101 to 86, with 63 unchanged.
“The market was weighed down by selling pressure, as some investors may already be engaging in profit-taking,” said Luis Limlingan, managing director of Regina Capital Development Corp.
He noted that, “At the same time, with no new catalysts in sight, others are likely adopting a more cautious stance while waiting for the next opportunity.”
Philstocks Financial Research Manager Japhet Tantiangco said, “The local market extended its decline as investors continued to exit amid the lack of a positive catalyst.”
He added that, “Investors are looking forward to the upcoming Jackson Hole Symposium for clues on the Federal Reserve’s policy outlook.”
Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael Ricafort said the PSEi corrected slightly lower for the second straight trading day after mostly softer US economic data (NAHB Housing Market Index).