03/08/2026
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๐ข๐ซ๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐๐ญ๐ซ๐จ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ค๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐๐๐ซ๐ค๐๐ญ ๐๐๐๐๐ฉ: ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐, ๐๐๐๐
๐ฃ๐๐๐๐๐ฃ๐ฃ๐๐ก๐ ๐ฆ๐ง๐ข๐๐ ๐ ๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ง
Philippine equities closed out a volatile month on a defensive note, with the main gauge falling 1.10% to 6,236.44 as month-end flows, PSEi rebalancing trades, and heavy offshore selling outweighed a broader rebound in regional peers.
The decline was driven largely by heavy selling in index heavyweights, led by ICT (-29.39 pts), BPI (-11.76 pts), and SMPH (-6.40 pts). Stock-specific buying in CNVRG (+2.34 pts), AREIT (+1.88 pts), and JFC (+1.56 pts) provided some cushion but was not enough to offset the drag.
Turnover surged to Php 9.47 billion, accompanied by a hefty Php 1.05 billion net foreign outflow. Market breadth remained slightly defensive at 93 decliners versus 88 advancers as traders locked in gains and reduced risk heading into the weekend.
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* Pax Silica Initiative: The DICT said the US-led Pax Silica initiative could help bridge the Philippines' digital divide by supporting its AI and connectivity goals, while stakeholders called for safeguards to protect national and environmental interests.
* Elevated July Inflation: The BSP expects July inflation to remain above its 3% target at 5.6%โ6.6%, as higher fuel, electricity, and fish prices offset easing food costs.
* Fuel Price Relief: Motorists are expected to get modest fuel price relief next week, with diesel and gasoline prices projected to fall by up to โฑ1.00 and โฑ1.50 per liter, respectively, as global oil prices ease on hopes of a U.S.-Iran ceasefire.
* Business Sentiment Improves: Philippine business sentiment improved to neutral in June, as lower oil prices and stronger consumer spending during the school reopening boosted expectations for business activity.
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* SMC (-0.37%): San Miguel raised โฑ30 billion through a fully subscribed preferred share offering, highlighting strong investor demand ahead of more major listings.
* MYNLD (-2.59%): Maynilad is nearing completion of a โฑ5.8-billion pipeline project that will strengthen water supply and pressure in Muntinlupa and Las Piรฑas while improving resilience against potential El Niรฑo disruptions.
* EW (+0.17%): EastWest Bank's first-half 2026 net income fell 17% to โฑ3.4 billion due to higher loss provisions, despite strong double-digit growth in revenues and operating profit.
* MBT (-1.70%): Metrobank's first-half 2026 net income edged up to โฑ24.9 billion, as steady loan growth, stable margins, and resilient core banking operations offset a challenging operating environment.
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