Local stocks near 6,700 mark as six-day winning streak continues
The Philippine stock benchmark climbed for a sixth consecutive session, reclaiming the 6,600 level as a strengthening peso and optimistic corporate earnings outlooks spurred a broad-based rally.
The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) advanced 71.89 points, or 1.1 percent, to finish at 6,619.87 on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026.
Market activity was underscored by robust participation, with 1.31 billion shares changing hands for a total value of ₱9.89 billion. Advancing stocks led decliners 116 to 91, while 59 issues remained unchanged.
The rally was driven primarily by the services and mining sectors, which offset weakness among conglomerates and property developers.
Investor confidence was buoyed by a wave of corporate earnings releases that have largely met or exceeded market expectations. Luis Limlingan, Managing Director at Regina Capital Development Corp., noted that buying pressure remained intact across the board.
He attributed the sustained optimism to the dual tailwinds of ongoing financial disclosures and the local currency’s resilience, which has made Philippine equities more attractive to both local and foreign participants.
The peso’s appreciation has emerged as a central catalyst for the market's current momentum. The currency recently strengthened against the United States (US) dollar to its highest level since late September 2025.
Michael Ricafort, Chief Economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., said that this five-month high provided a significant sentiment boost, offering a reprieve from the inflationary concerns that had previously dampened risk appetite.
Global factors also contributed to the favorable trading environment. Investors reacted positively to news that the US government implemented a 10 percent global tariff, a rate lower than the 15 percent previously signaled by US President Donald Trump.
Japhet Tantiangco, Research Manager at Philstocks Financial, said the market felt a sense of relief over the more moderate trade measures, which reduced immediate fears regarding the impact on global trade and local export sectors.
Further support for the index came from a brightening diplomatic outlook in the Middle East. Sentiment was lifted by reports that President Trump has reiterated his preference for a diplomatic resolution regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
Markets are looking ahead to the next round of high-level talks between the US and Iran, scheduled to take place in Geneva, Switzerland, on April 26, 2026. This easing of geopolitical tension has helped stabilize global risk sentiment, trickling down to emerging markets like the Philippines.