Philippine Stocks Reclaim the 6,000 Level as Rate-Cut Hopes Grow
PSEi closes at 6,021.59 | Bargain hunting accelerates | Peso holds steady
The Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) returned to the 6,000 level on Monday, November 24, supported by late-session buying and renewed optimism over potential interest rate cuts from both the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the US Federal Reserve.
The main index rose by 0.41% (24.46 points) to close at 6,021.59, while the broader All Shares Index jumped a strong 3.41% to 3,535.18.
Despite lingering macroeconomic uncertainties, market sentiment improved substantially as investors positioned early ahead of an expected easing cycle.
Why the Market Moved Up
Analysts from Regina Capital and Philstocks Financial highlighted two major drivers:
1. Bargain Hunting
Many blue-chip names remained undervalued after months of weakness, encouraging investors to re-enter the market.
A notable late-day buying surge provided the final push above the 6,000 mark.
2. Growing Expectations of Rate Cuts
- BSP is widely expected to cut policy rates again before year-end, supported by cooling inflation.
- US Fed expectations are also shifting toward easing, loosening pressure on emerging markets like the Philippines.
Lower borrowing costs stimulate corporate expansion and consumer spending—providing a supportive environment for equities.
Sector Performance
Most major indices ended in the green except for two:
| Sector | Performance |
|---|---|
| Industrial | 🔼 +1.33% |
| Property | 🔼 +1.27% |
| Holding Firms | 🔼 +1.09% |
| Mining & Oil | 🔼 +0.65% |
| Services | 🔽 -0.22% |
| Financials | 🔽 -0.14% |
Industrial and Property stocks led the advance, helped by improving expectations for demand and future investment activity.
Most Active Stocks (by value traded)
Here are the day’s top movers from your PSE data:
- BPI – PHP 2.74B (unchanged at 113)
- ICTSI (ICT) – PHP 1.67B (-0.90%)
- BDO – PHP 915M (-1.90%)
- Ayala Land (ALI) – PHP 864M (+2.62%)
- SM Prime (SMPH) – PHP 680M (-0.67%)
- RL Commercial REIT (RCR) – PHP 551M (+4.91%)
- Meralco (MER) – PHP 549M (+4.04%)
- Ayala Corp (AC) – PHP 519M (+2.42%)
- Metrobank (MBT) – PHP 481M (+3.55%)
Notable gainers among these included RCR, MER, AC, and MBT, signaling strong rotational buying in REITs, utilities, and select banking names.
Peso Holds Its Ground
The Philippine peso finished almost unchanged at ₱58.87 against the US dollar (previous: ₱58.85).
- The currency traded between ₱58.83 and ₱59.02.
- Trading volume reached USD 1.17B, slightly lower than the prior session.
A stable peso reinforces the view that external pressures are easing, especially with the prospect of US rate cuts.
Market Breadth and Activity
- Gainers: 109
- Decliners: 72
- Unchanged: 64
- Total trades: 81,300
- Value turnover: PHP 13.69 billion
- Volume: 846 million shares
The strong number of advancing stocks reflects a more confident market.
What This Means for Investors
The return above the 6,000 mark is symbolically and psychologically important.
While the market is not out of the woods yet, several positive indicators are aligning:
- Inflation cooling
- Rate cuts appearing more likely
- Bargain valuations drawing in investors
- Improved foreign and domestic sentiment
- Peso stability providing a supportive backdrop
If these trends continue, the PSEi may find a stronger footing heading into December and early 2026.
Key Takeaway
Monday’s trading session shows a market that is recovering confidence.
With easing inflation and possible rate cuts on the horizon, both investors and consumers may find better conditions ahead.
For now, bargain hunters remain firmly in control—and the PSEi is responding.