PSE Trading Suggests Weak Economic Outlook

Risks to the local economy weighed on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) index, with conglomerates posting the lone sectoral gain.

The Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) Index, March 12, 2026

Investors appeared to be bracing for a potential oil-driven inflation shock after Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli Remolona signaled that a wage hike could lead to higher prices.

Despite the concerns, the PSE index recovered from its intraday low to close at 6,113.58 points, down by 44.75 points or 0.73%.

Market breadth was negative, with losers double the number of gainers, 125 to 66, as foreign investors remained net sellers amounting to P453 million. Even mining shares failed to excite the market, with Apex Mining tumbling 4.85% to P15.70.

Traders see bearish sentiment persisting in the local market, driven largely by the spike in gasoline prices following the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.