The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) was almost unchanged on Thursday, Oct. 16, after late selling erased the day’s gain as investors locked in profits while waiting for the start of the third-quarter earnings season.
The main index shed just 0.43 points, or 0.01 percent, to close at 6,093.67. Sectoral indices were evenly divided.
Volume rose to 3.12 billion shares worth ₱9.82 billion. Gainers outnumbered losers—108 to 92, with 58 unchanged.
“The PSEi ended flat as both buying and selling pressures showed strength throughout the session,” said Regina Capital Development Corp. managing director Luis Limlingan.
He added that, “Some investors are likely positioning themselves ahead of the earnings season, with several companies already releasing their reports.”
Philstocks Financial Inc. research manager Japhet Tantiangco said, “The local market inched down amid a last-minute profit taking. Investors booked gains following a three-day rally, which got extended in the middle of today’s trading.”
Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) chief economist Michael Ricafort said the PSEi corrected marginally lower after gaining for three straight days, as the United States (US) dollar gained against the peso after US President Donald Trump said that the US was locked in a trade war with China.