PSE Index Rises but Investors Remain Cautious

The Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) index rose Wednesday, but investors remained unconvinced, closing at its intraday low of 6,158.33 points, up by 31.67 points or 0.52%.

The Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) Index, March 11, 2026

Financials and conglomerates ended lower after a brief rally that saw the index climb to an intraday high of 6,212.95 points. The rise opened the floodgates to profit-taking as pessimism over the uncertain resolution of the Iran crisis persisted.

Market favorite ICTSI again emerged as the most active stock with P1.66 billion in trades.

It advanced by 2.82% to P730, helping nudge the services sector to a 2.37% gain.

Meanwhile, a 2.24% rise in gold prices to $5,228 boosted the mining and oil sector, which gained 4.66%.

Investors remained selective with their buying, dumping bank shares while opting for gaming stocks and food plays. Market breadth was positive, with gainers double the number of losers, 131 to 66.

Foreign investors remained net sellers, indicating a lack of catalysts for the market to sustain a rally.

Net foreign selling reached P219 million, while foreign trades stood at P8.78 billion, higher than the total value turnover of P7.95 billion.

The property sector edged slightly higher, reflecting the challenges ahead as top property developer Ayala Land slipped below P20, closing at P19, down by 1.14%.

Investors are now closely watching developments in the Strait of Hormuz to determine whether the Iran crisis will again trigger an oil price surge that could lead to global economic instability.