PSE Falls on Middle East Tensions as Broad Sell-Off Hits All Sectors

The Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) index fell on Monday, closing near its intraday low at 5,879.41 points, down 58.79 points or 0.99%, as renewed tensions in the Middle East weighed on investor sentiment.

The Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) Index, June 8, 2026

Iran and Israel reportedly resumed hostilities after a temporary pause, triggering concerns over global stability and pushing oil prices higher.

The geopolitical uncertainty contributed to a broad sell-off across all major sectors.

Market breadth was negative, with decliners significantly outnumbering advancers, 133 to 53, as investors reduced exposure to risk assets.

Mining stocks led losses, dropping 4.04%, as sentiment weakened across commodities-linked counters.

Banking, property, and holding firms also declined amid the risk-off environment. Major banks, including BDO Unibank, Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), and Metrobank, all closed lower.

Consumer giant Jollibee Foods Corporation also ended in the red. Defensive utilities such as Manila Water also declined. (Note: Maynilad is not publicly listed, unlike Manila Water.)

However, International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) bucked the trend, rising 0.35% on strong trading volume of approximately ₱1.73 billion.

Meralco also gained 1.44%, while SM Investments Corporation, the index heavyweight, ended unchanged.

Sector performance was broadly negative:

• Financials: -1.93% 

• Industrials: -0.78% 

• Holding firms: -1.03% 

• Property: -1.29% 

• Services: -0.12% 

Foreign investors recorded net selling of ₱754 million, with total foreign turnover at ₱7.5 billion and overall market value turnover at **₱6.45 billion.