PSEi snaps losing streak, surges 106 points on rate cut hopes
The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) on Friday, Jan. 30, bounced and recovered most of the previous day’s losses as the lower economic growth rate may lead to another policy rate cut.
The main index jumped by 105.61 points, or 1.7 percent, to close at 6,328.97. Banks surged, while miners again went against the trend and corrected due to lower gold prices.
Volume was high at 2.07 billion shares worth ₱14.56 billion. Losers still beat gainers—108 to 90, with 65 unchanged.
“The PSEi ended sharply higher as investors stepped in to bargain-hunt following yesterday’s steep decline,” said Regina Capital Development Corp. managing director Luis Limlingan.
He explained that, “Market sentiment improved after the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) said that despite weak gross domestic product (GDP) growth last quarter, a rebound is expected this quarter, while investors may also be pricing in another potential rate cut after the softer GDP data.”
Philstocks Financial Inc. research manager Japhet Tantiangco said, “The local market bounced back as investors hunted for bargains with hopes pinned on another possible rate cut by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).”
He added that, “Foreigners were net buyers with net inflows at ₱41.01 million supporting the climb.”
Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) chief economist Michael Ricafort said the PSEi erased most of the previous trading day’s decline as the relatively weaker local GDP growth data somewhat increases the odds of a 0.25-percent BSP rate cut on the next BSP rate-setting meeting on Feb. 19, 2026.