PSEi slams brakes on 3-day win streak over Middle East disruption, inflation
Local stocks declined, snapping a three-day rally, as investors locked in profits ahead of the inflation data and amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East that threatened to disrupt global energy markets.
The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) slid 41.24 points, or 0.69 percent, to close at 5,911.93 on Thursday, June 4. The services sector spearheaded the equity retreat, outweighing the resilient performance by banking stocks, which bucked the broader market downturn.
Trading volume weakened significantly compared to recent sessions, with 377.77 million shares changing hands valued at ₱7 billion. Decliners outpaced advances 105 to 68, while 70 issues remained unchanged.
Sentiment soured following statements from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reinforcing that the United States (US) and Israel remain prepared to execute further military strikes against Iran if necessary. The warnings follow recent skirmishes and the attack on a Kuwaiti airport that have threatened fragile regional ceasefire.
Domestic factors also kept buyers on the sidelines. Market participants opted for measured approach as they await the government’s Friday release of May inflation metrics.
“The Philippine market ended lower as profit-taking occurred following three consecutive days of gains,” said Luis Limlingan, managing director at Regina Capital Development Corp. “Investors remained selective in their positioning as they awaited the release of the latest inflation data. Cautious sentiment kept overall trading activity measured, with market participants looking for clues on the direction of interest rates and the broader economy.”
Equity analysts noted that while the three-day cushion provided an ideal window for profit realization, the structural risk of imported inflation via the energy sector is forced back into focus.
“The local market pulled back after three consecutive days of rallying as investors took profits amid the reignition of tensions between the US and Iran,” said Japhet Tantiangco, research manager at Philstocks Financial. H
He added that the explicit warning of potential military reiteration has stoked deep-seated market fears that oil prices may spike again, complicating the domestic outlook for consumer price containment.