PSEi bounces as new US-Iran talks raise hope for peace
The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) bounced on Wednesday, April 15, as news of another round of United States (US)-Iran talks led to some bargain hunting.
The main index added 50.25 points, or 0.84 percent, to close at 6,063.35. Banks and services led the advance across the board.
Volume improved to 1.45 billion shares worth ₱8.16 billion. Gainers beat losers—112 to 73, with 63 unchanged.
“The Philippine market rebounded, tracking gains in global markets and improved investor sentiment. Buying pressure emerged after a series of declines, with bargain hunting also driving the recovery,” said Regina Capital Development Corp. managing director Luis Limlingan.
Philstocks Financial Inc. research manager Japhet Tantiangco said, “The local market bounced back taking cues from Wall Street’s overnight rise. This comes on hopes that the US and Iran would reach a compromise following news that a second round of negotiations between the two is being discussed.”
Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) chief economist Michael Ricafort said the PSEi also rose after Nymex crude oil price again declined, to $90-per-barrel levels, sharply below the $115 a week ago, when the two-week ceasefire on the war in Iran was reached.