PH stocks, peso close higher on manufacturing strength

MANILA – The Philippine stock market and peso strengthened on Monday as sustained resilience in the manufacturing sector boosted investor confidence.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) climbed 1.58 percent to close at 6,334.72 points, while the broader All Shares index increased 1.03 percent to 3,430.16 points.

Most sectoral indices ended higher, led by the Services sector, which gained 3.31 percent. It was followed by Mining and Oil, up 1.56 percent; Financials, 1.26 percent; Holding Firms, 0.76 percent; and Industrial, 0.47 percent.

The Property index was the only sectoral gauge that ended lower, declining by 0.84 percent.

Trading volume reached 611.77 million shares valued at PHP5.8 billion. Advancers outnumbered decliners, 109 to 79, while 53 stocks remained unchanged.

Regina Capital Development Corporation head of sales Luis Limlingan said the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) report, along with expectations of a steady inflation rate in July 2026, supported the market’s gains.

“Strong earnings from select index heavyweights also boosted buying interest, lifting the broader market,” Limlingan said.

Meanwhile, the Philippine peso strengthened against the United States dollar, gaining 31 centavos to close at 60.93 from Friday’s finish of 61.24.

The peso opened at 61.00, improving from its previous session’s opening level of 61.47. It traded between 61.08 and 60.87, with the day’s average exchange rate settling at 60.97.

Foreign exchange volume reached USD1.45 billion, lower than the USD1.55 billion recorded at the end of the previous week. (PNA) -Joann Villanueva/Philippine News Agency