Stocks slump for 3rd day on holiday, rate-cut caution
The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) declined for the third straight session on Monday, Feb. 16, as its investors cashed out before the Lunar New Year holiday and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) policy meeting.
The main index shed 16.03 points, or 0.25 percent, to close at 6,368.55. Industrials led the retreat, while banks managed to hold its ground.
Volume was weak at one billion shares worth ₱5.28 billion, as many Asian traders are on vacation. Losers trounced gainers—140 to 79, with 51 unchanged.
“The local index closed lower, staying in negative territory throughout the session and marking its third straight day in the red,” said Regina Capital Development Corp. managing director Luis Limlingan.
He noted that, “Despite the decline, the 6,300-support level remained intact, suggesting limited downside for now. Investors remained cautious and took profits, even amid expectations of another BSP rate cut” on Thursday, Feb. 19.
Philstocks Financial Inc. research manager Japhet Tantiangco said, “Investors took a cautious stance while waiting for the BSP’s policy decision.”
He added that volume was thinner as many investors chose to stay on the sidelines while waiting for catalysts.
Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) chief economist Michael Ricafort said the PSEi “corrected lower for the third straight trading day, before the Lunar New Year holiday this week, with reduced trading activities especially in some East Asian countries.”
He said share prices were also weaker because of recent developments that could adversely affect the domestic coal industry as well as the continued increase in local fuel pump prices.