The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) bounced back on Wednesday, Aug. 27, recovering most of the previous day’s losses, as investors seized the opportunity to buy bargains in anticipation of an expected rate cut by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
The main index jumped 128.10 points, or 2.08 percent, to close at 6,273.34. The Services sector led the charge, while only the Conglomerates sector lagged behind. Volume rose to 890 million shares valued at P8.65 billion. Advancers outpaced decliners 117 to 100, with 39 issues unchanged.
“The market saw buyers take charge today after yesterday’s dip. Investors likely viewed yesterday's prices as a bargain-buying opportunity, pushing prices and the market higher, along with investors positioning for the upcoming BSP meeting,” said Luis Limlingan, managing director at Regina Capital Development Corp.
He added that U.S. equities also closed higher yesterday, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq posting gains. “After a late push, the main indexes finished near their session highs. The market continues to react to the previous week's rally on hopes of a Fed rate cut in September, which traders are betting on,” Limlingan said.
Philstocks Financial Research Manager Japhet Tantiangco noted, “The local market bounced back this Wednesday, fueled by bargain hunting. Hopes of a BSP rate cut in their upcoming Monetary Board meeting this week also helped in the rebound.”
“The Philippine Stock Exchange Composite Index (PSEi) gained a day before the widely expected 0.25 percent BSP rate cut that could further reduce borrowing costs for listed companies and for the overall economy,” said Michael Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp.