PSEi declines further on mixed earnings, political noise
The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) dropped further on Wednesday, May 13, due to mixed corporate earnings results as well as uncertainty in the Middle East and in local politics.
The main index lost 25.2 points, or 0.42 percent, to end at 5,946.78. The industrial sector led the decline, while banks managed to buck the trend.
Volume softened to 734 million shares worth ₱7.61 billion. Losers outnumbered gainers—116 to 73, with 67 unchanged.
“The PSEi ended lower as investors adjusted positions following the MSCI Philippines Index rebalancing. Selling pressure weighed on select stocks, keeping overall market sentiment cautious,” said Regina Capital Development Corp. managing director Luis Limlingan.
Investors also remained reactive to ongoing earnings releases, driving selective trading across the market.
Philstocks Financial Inc. research manager Japhet Tantiangco said the local market extended its decline as investors deal with the uncertainties of the United States (US)-Iran situation since the two nations remain without a peace deal.
“Investors also digested local corporate results for the first quarter which have been mixed so far, some of which were dismal. Investors are waiting for clues from the US-China talks,” he added.
Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) chief economist Michael Ricafort said, “The PSEi slightly declined for the second straight trading day after year-on-year decline net income for some listed companies that reported recently and recent political noise that could distract and potentially divide some lawmakers from passing priority reform measures.”