Philippine stocks, peso end 2025 lower amid thin trading

Philippine markets wrapped up the year lower to post year-to-date declines in both equities and foreign exchange, as light participation signaled generally limited risk appetite.

The PSEi lost 12.72 points or 0.21% to 6,052.92 at the closing bell, bringing the local stock barometer down 7.28% or 475.87 points down year-to-date from 6,528.79 on December 27, 2024, the last trading day of the past year.

The broader All Shares index gained 8.58 points or 0.25% to end the year at 3,473.24.

“Market activity remained muted amid low-holiday participation, reflecting a generally cautious tone in overall investor sentiment ahead of the year-end,” Luis Limlingan, head of sales at Regina Capital Development Corp., said in a mobile message.

Most indices closed the year in the red—financials down 18.21 points or 0.88% to 2,048.47; property by 24.86 points or 1.08% to 2,276.14; services by 3.18 points or 0.13% to 2,378.54; and mining and oil by 177.83 points or 1.17% to 15,059.80.

The industrial index gained 37.61 points or 0.44% to 8,620.59, while holding firms grew 51.62 points or 1.09% to 4,787.66.

“Market confidence is supported by broad sector performance, supportive policies, and typical year-end seasonal strength,” Limlingan said.

More than 727.818 million shares, valued at P4.289 billion, traded hands. Advancers led decliners, 139 to 75, while 56 issues were unchanged.

The Philippine peso, meanwhile, shed 8 centavos to close the year at P58.79:$1 from last Friday’s finish of P58.71:$1. Year-to-date, the peso has depreciated by P94.5 centavos from P57.845:$1 on December 27, 2024. — BM, GMA Integrated News