PSE to suspend trading starting March 17 until further notice

The Philippine Stock Exchange Inc. (PSE) will suspend trading starting Tuesday, March 17, following the “enhanced community quarantine” imposed by President Rodrigo Duterte over Luzon.

In a memorandum, the PSE said there will be no trading, clearing and settlement at the Security Clearing Corporation of the Philippines until further notice.

The suspension is to ensure the safety of PSE’s employees and traders in light of the rising cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the country.

The local stock barometer closed on Friday at 5,793.34, up by 57.67 points or 1.005 percent.

Duterte on Monday announced an “enhanced community quarantine of the entire Luzon to contain the spread of COVID-19. It will take effect on midnight of Tuesday, March 17.

The Philippines has so far recorded 142 COVID-19 cases, including 12 deaths as of Monday. —Ma. Angelica Garcia/LDF, GMA News