Local stocks rebound as US rate cut hopes fuel bargain hunting
The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) moved up slightly as prospects of a United States (US) rate cut led to some bargain hunting.
The main index added 20.85 points, or 0.34 percent, to close at 6,122.71. Miners led the advance, rallying on higher gold prices, while industrials lagged behind. Volume improved to 1.99 billion shares worth ₱6.23 billion, as gainers outnumbered losers—111 to 85, with 60 unchanged.
“The market moved higher today as investors sought to buy at cheaper prices following yesterday’s decline,” said Regina Capital Development Corp. managing director Luis Limlingan.
He noted that, “Despite weaker industrial production data, equities still rose, likely supported by further declines in bond yields, which may be boosting investor sentiment toward stocks.
Major US indices started the week on a positive note, as investors positioned themselves ahead of a data-heavy week. A series of key economic reports and central bank policy expectations are driving the sentiment.
Philstocks Financial research manager Japhet Tantiangco said, “The local market rose, backed by the positive cues from Wall Street. This comes amid mounting hopes of a Fed [US Federal Reserve] rate cut in their meeting this month following the US’ dismal August jobs report.”