The Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) rounded its first trading day of 2025 on a positive note, despite a sluggish start. The benchmark PSE Index rose by 21.60 points to settle at 6,550.39, following a late surge in buying activity that lifted the market after a largely red session.
While the main index struggled for much of the day, late buying pushed the market into the green, signaling a potential shift in investor sentiment as the new year unfolds. Total trading volume was relatively light, amounting to just P3.24 billion, with foreign investors taking a bullish stance as net buyers at P217.72 million.
“The PSE is always optimistic and hopeful, and this year is no exception,” said Ramon S. Monzon, PSE president and CEO, during the traditional bell-ringing ceremony marking the first trading day. “We look forward to a more robust trading year and stronger capital-raising performance. Our team will continue to work toward fulfilling the items in our three-year strategic plan, which are crucial to the development of the local capital market.”
Despite the gains, market breadth was mixed. Of the 238 companies traded, losers outnumbered gainers 97 to 94, with 47 issues closing unchanged. Sub-indices reflected a similar divergence, with the Financials sector up by 18.07 points, while the Industrial and Mining indices struggled, shedding 17.10 and 136.09 points, respectively.
Among the most active stocks, International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) led the pack, adding P13 to close at P399 per share. SM Investments Corp. remained flat at P899, while other blue-chip stocks such as BDO Unibank Inc., Ayala Land Inc., and SM Prime Holdings Inc. saw modest movements.
Luis Limlingan, managing director at Regina Capital Development Corp., noted that investors are closely watching key economic data this week, including the release of the ISM Manufacturing Index on Friday, along with the December S&P Global Manufacturing PMI and November PPI reports due out soon. These indicators could provide further direction for market participants in the coming days.
As the PSE looks ahead to 2025, the performance of the market in its first session is a promising start, signaling cautious optimism for the year ahead.
