The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) notched up another gain after investor sentiment got a boost from news that China is taking steps to increase consumption.
The main index added 12.08 points or 0.19 percent to close at 6,306.19 on Monday, March 17, although only Conglomerates and Services were in the green. Volume dipped to 1.33 billion shares worth P5.26 billion as gainers edged out losers 94 to 92, with 59 unchanged.
“The bourse rose further, joining its regional peers, as China revealed a special action plan to boost its economy's consumption,” said Philstocks Financial Research Manager Japhet Tantiangco.
Regina Capital Development Corporation Managing Director Luis Limlingan said “Philippine shares built on the sentiment from Friday, managing to close above the 6300 level.”
This week, the key economic event in the US is the Fed's interest rate decision and the release of the FOMC's economic projections.
These offer valuable insights into the Fed's outlook on inflation, economic growth, and the likely direction of future monetary policy.
Locally, important data releases include January's Cash Remittances (March 17) and the Budget balance (March 18), which may offer insights into government investment patterns and cash inflows.