The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) snapped a seven-day winning streak on Friday, Feb. 27, as investors locked in gains and digested disappointing trade figures.

The benchmark gauge fell 14.22 points, or 0.21 percent, to close at 6,611.24 in Manila. While property developers led the decline, the losses were partially offset by the rise in conglomerate shares.

Trading remained heavy as value turnover jumped to ₱19.62 billion, with 1.23 billion shares changing hands.

“The local index closed lower as profit-taking emerged following the market’s strong rally over the week,” said Luis Limlingan, managing director at Regina Capital Development Corp. “With the benchmark nearing overbought levels, investors opted to lock in gains, triggering a pullback.”

The retreat followed a week of sustained optimism regarding corporate earnings and macroeconomic stability. However, sentiment turned cautious after the government reported wider trade deficit and a contraction in imports, signaling potential headwinds for domestic demand.

Michael Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., said the index was pressured by the softer import data and a faster pace of wholesale price increases. The decline occurred despite persistent interest from international investors, who have been net buyers of Philippine equities for most of 2026.

External factors also weighed on the market. Failed negotiations between the United States and Iran added a layer of geopolitical uncertainty to the trading session, according to Japhet Tantiangco, research manager at Philstocks Financial Inc.

The retreat was broad-based, with decliners outnumbering gainers 99 to 85, while 77 stocks remained unchanged. Property firms were the biggest laggards as high interest rates continue to affect the capital-intensive sector. Despite the day's dip, analysts characterized the move as a healthy correction that helps stabilize valuations after the index surged for seven consecutive sessions.

Investors are now looking toward the next round of corporate financial disclosures to see if earnings growth can justify further gains in the index. The PSEi remains up for the year as foreign inflows provide a floor for local valuations.