The Philippine Stock Exchange Inc. (PSE) reported a 49.9 percent surge in first-quarter net income, driven by the burst of trading activity at the start of the year and disciplined cost management.

The local bourse said net income rose to ₱381.71 million in January to March 2026 from ₱254.67 million in the same period a year earlier, despite broader market volatility that eventually cooled market rally.

“The market’s positive momentum may have been short-lived but the bullish stance during the first two months of the year helped lift our first quarter numbers,” Ramon S. Monzon, PSE president and chief executive officer said.

Operating revenues at the exchange climbed 18.5 percent to ₱746.81 million from ₱645.49 million. The revenue expansion was anchored by the 15.7 percent increase in trading-related fees and a 24.8 percent jump in service fees.

Both the PSE and the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. recorded brisk trading volumes during the quarter. Depository securities fees also contributed to the growth, rising 5.9 percent.

Other income grew by 30.2 percent to ₱41.97 million from ₱32.23 million, boosted by foreign exchange gains and an improvement in the fair value of the exchange's financial assets.

Meanwhile, total expenses and costs declined 1.3 percent to ₱334.79 million from ₱339.14 million, demonstrating the bourse’s ability to rein in overhead costs even as transaction volumes expanded.

The PSE is pushing ahead with modernization plans and new financial products to insulate its earnings against future market downturns and shifting macroeconomic conditions.

“Despite the persistent global and domestic headwinds, we remain committed to our strategic roadmap and continue to pursue product, technology, and sustainability initiatives that will reinforce the Exchange’s long-term resilience and competitiveness,” Monzon said.

The exchange's upcoming product pipeline includes Global Philippine Depositary Receipts, derivatives, structured warrants, and rule enhancements for exchange-traded funds.

The bourse is also planning initial listings through preferred shares offerings and expanded securities borrowing and lending.

To support these initiatives, the PSE is developing a new trading engine, an updated order management system, and an overhauled disclosure platform. (James A. Loyola)