PSE Index Climbs 0.74% on Renewed Iran Peace Talks

The Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) index climbed to 6,302.50, gaining 46.48 points, or 0.74%, on renewed optimism following reports of another round of peace talks aimed at easing the Iran conflict.

The Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) Index, July 15, 2026

Five of the six sectoral indices advanced, with only the mining and oil index declining by 0.61% due to profit-taking. Financials rose 1.13%, industrials 0.48%, holding firms 0.36%, services 0.67%, and property 0.58%.

Holding firms gained on bargain hunting, while financial and service stocks benefited from easing inflation and improving economic prospects.

Blue-chip stocks also strengthened after reports that Indonesian energy company Barito Renewables had submitted a US$5 billion bid for Energy Development Corp. (EDC), a subsidiary of First Gen Corp.

Shares of First Gen surged on speculation surrounding the reported acquisition, reaching an intraday high of ₱22.30 before settling at ₱19.80, up 18.42%, making it the day's top gainer.

Barito Renewables is reportedly seeking to expand into the Philippine energy sector through the proposed acquisition.

Market favorite International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) also rallied, hitting a record intraday high of ₱1,020 before closing at ₱999, still up 0.60%. The stock touched an intraday low of ₱995 as investors locked in profits.

Among banking stocks, Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) rose 0.49% to ₱103.50, while BDO Unibank Inc. gained 1.47% to ₱124.00.

Market bellwether SM Investments Corp. traded between ₱586.00 and ₱593.00 before closing 0.09% higher at ₱588.50.

Ayala Land Inc. (ALI), which also benefited from speculative buying, climbed to an intraday high of ₱16.06 before retreating to ₱15.66 and finishing at ₱15.74 amid volatile trading. At the midday break, ALI was up 1.27% at ₱16.00.

The benchmark index traded between an intraday low of 6,290.29 and a high of 6,327.96.

Despite the market's gains, trading activity remained subdued as investors stayed cautious amid lingering global uncertainty. Total turnover reached ₱4.3 billion, about one-third below the daily average.

Market breadth was positive, with 96 gainers, 88 losers, and 63 unchanged issues.