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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider The Stock Market devider PSEi up even as Middle East remains tense

PSEi up even as Middle East remains tense

Published Apr 20, 2026 04:49 pm
The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) managed to advance on Monday, April 20, despite news that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed amid mixed signals from the United States (US) and Iran regarding their peace talks.
The main index added 16.9 points, or 0.28 percent, to close at 6,016.03. Sectoral indices were evenly mixed.
Volume dipped to 685 million shares worth ₱7.14 billion. Losers outnumbered—105 to 101, with 60 unchanged.
“The PSEi bounced back from Friday’s drop, reclaiming the 6,000 level on bargain hunting, though gains were tempered by selling pressure in the afternoon session,” said Regina Capital Development Corp. managing director Luis Limlingan.
Sentiment stayed cautious after Iran threatened retaliation over the US seizure of a cargo ship, with its participation in peace talks in Pakistan still unconfirmed.
Philstocks Financial Inc. research manager Japhet Tantiangco said though that trading was still tepid as investors maintained a cautious stance while monitoring the developments between the US and Iran.
Ron Acoba, chief investment strategist at Trading Edge Consultancy, said the PSEi climbed as much as 1.2 percent after investors responded positively to news of the Philippines joining the US-led Pax Silica initiative. Gainers were led by semiconductor-related stocks.
“However, investor caution was still evident, as the index gave up most of its early gains... Overall sentiment remains tilted toward a risk-off stance, largely due to ongoing uncertainties in the Middle East, particularly concerns around the Strait of Hormuz and oil prices,” he noted.

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Philippine Stock Exchange index Regina Capital Development Corporation Luis Limlingan Philstocks Financial Japhet Tantiangco Ron Acoba Trading Edge Consultancy
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