Stocks gain as BSP rate pause hopes offset growth drag
Local equities climbed on Tuesday, Aug. 11, tracking improved investor sentiment after signals from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) that slower economic momentum may curb the need for further monetary tightening.
The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) gained 37.68 points, or 0.6 percent, to close at 6,326.89. Mining shares spearheaded the advance, offsetting declines in conglomerate and service sector holdings.
Trading activity picked up slightly, with total turnover reaching 881 million shares valued at ₱5.13 billion. Advancing issues edged out decliners 98 to 91, while 64 stocks closed unchanged.
“The local bourse ended higher as sentiment improved following the BSP’s remarks that weaker economic growth could reduce the need for further rate hikes,” said Luis Limlingan, managing director at Regina Capital Development Corp.
“The softer second-quarter gross domestic product growth outlook eased concerns over additional monetary tightening, prompting investors to selectively accumulate shares,” he added.
Market participants are increasingly weighing domestic policy relief against external headwinds. Softening GDP numbers typically signal underlying economic weakness, yet in the current macro backdrop, investors have interpreted the moderation as a catalyst for a less hawkish monetary stance.
“The local market rose on the back of hopes that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas would temper its policy tightening given the country’s latest GDP print,” said Japhet Tantiangco, research manager at Philstocks Financial Inc.
Despite the day’s gains, market breadth and overall trading value underscored persistent investor hesitation. Geopolitical friction between the US and Iran continues to weigh on broader risk appetite across regional markets, alongside localized concerns surrounding long-term domestic expansion.
Market participants remain selective, prioritizing defensive plays and sector-specific catalysts over broad-based accumulation until clearer macro directional cues emerge from both local monetary authorities and international developments.