Stocks fall on rising oil prices, record low peso

Manila, Philippines — The Philippine Stock Exchange suffered a significant decline on Tuesday, driven by concerns over elevated oil prices and the peso reaching a record low. The key Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) fell 0.61 percent or 37.42 points, closing the week at 6,061.81. The broader All Shares Index also dropped 0.74 percent or 24.91 points, finishing at 3,358.40.

Luis Limlingan, a financial analyst at Regina Capital, attributed the market's downward trend to ongoing pressure from surging crude prices, which have pushed oil near $108 per barrel amidst the ongoing US-Iran conflict. Limlingan noted that the rising oil costs raised worries about inflation and macroeconomic indicators, negatively impacting overall market sentiment. Furthermore, a weaker local currency exacerbated investor caution, contributing to the market's pressure.

The peso experienced a fresh record low of 62.68 against the US dollar on Tuesday, as higher oil prices, increasing global bond yields, and concerns over a prolonged conflict deterred investor appetite for risk. The local currency fell 14.5 centavos from Thursday's close of 62.535, according to data from the Bankers Association of the Philippines. It also concluded the week at a lower value than its previous record low of 62.625 on September 8.

Although all sectors experienced losses, property emerged as the only sector with a slight gain of 0.004 percent. Mining and oil sectors took the biggest hit, with declines of 3.27 percent and 1.58 percent, respectively. Market breadth was predominantly negative, with 144 stocks declining compared to 51 that gained. Out of the total trading volume of P5.83 billion, ICTSI led as the most actively traded stock, experiencing a 0.20 percent decline to P985 per share.

Notably, BDO Unibank and First Gen saw substantial drops, with shares falling by 2.54 percent and 11.90 percent, ending at P115.10 and P23.70, respectively.