Local equities flat as investors eye BSP rate decision
The local stock market was little changed Friday, Aug.22, as investors waited for the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) interest rate cut expected next week.
The Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) edged up 3.71 points, or 0.06 percent, to close at 6,281.58. The interest-rate sensitive property sector led advances, while the conglomerates and services sectors declined. Volume rose to 803 million shares valued at ₱6.44 billion. Losers outnumbered gainers 97 to 93, while 50 were unchanged.
“The local market posted gains on the back of bargain hunting,” Philstocks Financial Research Manager Japhet Tantiangco said.
He said that “investors also appreciated Rating and Investment Information, Inc.’s affirmation of the Philippines’ ‘A-‘ credit rating with a stable outlook. Finally, hopes of a BSP rate cut next week helped in lifting the bourse.”
Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael Ricafort said the PSEi was “again marginally higher for the second straight trading day after the latest improvement in the local infrastructure spending data.”
“The PSEi also slightly gained after the affirmation of the Philippine credit rating of A-, the highest for the country and three notches above the minimum investment grade with a stable outlook by Japan’s R&I, thereby a continued vote of confidence on the country’s economic and credit fundamentals from the point of view of international investors and creditors/lenders,” he added.