PSE Index Edges Higher as Volatility Persists

The Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) index closed slightly higher on Friday after another volatile session, ending the trading week at an intraday high of 6,290.35 points, up 12.40 points, or 0.20%.

The Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) Index, January , 2026

The property sub-index led the gains, rising 0.99% as bargain hunters pushed Ayala Land Inc. up 6.14% to ₱16.26.

The property developer, which has fallen sharply from its ₱30 peak, had lost nearly half its value as investors grew concerned about its prospects following the suspension of a luxury property development project amid economic uncertainty.

Also supporting the index were services, which rose 0.22%; mining and oil, up 0.98%; and holding firms, which gained 0.44%. Financials and industrials declined 0.54% and 0.14%, respectively.

BDO Unibank Inc. and Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) posted losses, while Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), Maynilad Water Services Inc. and Manila Water Co. Inc. also closed lower.

The market hit an intraday low of 6,221.62 points as investors took profits despite optimism over the possibility of a ceasefire and an agreement involving the Strait of Hormuz.

Oman and Iran have been engaged in discussions concerning the strategic waterway, while the United States has also indicated progress toward resolving the broader geopolitical crisis.

Total value turnover reached ₱6.217 billion, while foreign transactions amounted to ₱6.8 billion. The market recorded net foreign selling of ₱327 million, with foreign buying at ₱3.265 billion and foreign selling at ₱3.593 billion.

Market breadth remained negative, with 90 losers, 86 gainers and 68 unchanged stocks.