PSE Index Rises Amid Uncertain Global Outlook

The Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) index rose on Monday, gaining 71.99 points or 1.20 percent to close at 6,016.03.

The Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) Index, April 20, 2026

However, market optimism was driven largely by expectations of lower fuel prices rather than any resolution of ongoing geopolitical tensions.

The market opened on a positive note following announcements by local fuel retailers of another round of price rollbacks expected Tuesday.

This pushed the index to an intraday high of 6,080.21 before it retreated toward the close, as investors reassessed risks stemming from tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, which was reportedly affected by Iran’s response to a U.S. blockade of its ports.

Investors initially piled into blue-chip stocks, buoyed by news of fuel price cuts. International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) climbed to ₱723 before easing to ₱709 and settling at ₱715, up 0.78 percent.

Meanwhile, SM Investments Corporation fluctuated between ₱633 and ₱613 before closing 1.64 percent higher at ₱620.

Midday trading reflected early optimism, with the index reaching 6,071.12 by the market recess and briefly rising further before slipping to a low of 6,010.80.

Profit-taking set in as investors weighed local gains against unresolved geopolitical risks tied to tensions involving Iran.

Total value turnover reached ₱7.14 billion. Foreign investors remained net sellers, with net outflows of ₱446 million, based on foreign buying of ₱4.74 billion against selling of ₱5.188 billion.

Market breadth was nearly even, with 101 gainers and 105 losers.

Sector performance was mixed: financials, industrials, and property declined, while holding firms, services, and mining advanced.

Lingering uncertainty in the Middle East is expected to weigh on market sentiment, as investors monitor developments surrounding potential negotiations involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.