Investors Unsure as PSE Index Edges Lower

The Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) index on Friday settled slightly lower by 11.37 points, or 0.19%, to 5,972.83, as investors remained undecided over peace overtures in Iran.

The Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) Index, March 27, 2026

Conglomerates posted the lone gain, while all other sectors declined, reflecting investor uncertainty amid back-channel efforts to resolve the Iran crisis.

Market breadth was nearly neutral, with 92 gainers against 91 losers, as the index reached an intraday high of 5,980.16 before succumbing to profit-taking. Market bellwether SM Investments rose 0.16% to P627, while diversified conglomerate San Miguel gained 0.56%, as some investors bet on a potential peace agreement.

Local investors were notably active, accounting for P2 billion in stock purchases, while foreign trades reached P6.7 billion.

However, foreign investors remained net sellers, offloading P95 million worth of shares.

The mixed signals surrounding the outcome of ongoing back-channel talks for Middle East peace are expected to become clearer following the lull in hostilities announced by US President Donald Trump.