Share prices close lower

MANILA, Philippines–The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) sank again on Wednesday but managed to hold above 7,800. Stocks elsewhere in the region were more positive as Japan reported a trade surplus.

Data from the bourse showed that the PSEi was down 0.18 percent, or 13.91 points, to 7,833.03. The broader all-shares index was down 0.16 percent, or 7.09 points, to 4,478.99.

Volume was weaker than average, with about 1.1 billion shares valued at P7.9 billion changing hands. A total of 108 companies declined while 75 companies closed higher. Another 41 companies closed unchanged.

Sub-sectors ended mixed on Wednesday with only holding firms and mining and oil gaining 0.19 percent and 1.45 percent, respectively.

BDO Unibank Inc. led the list of most actively traded stocks as it lost 1.55 percent to P114.60.–Miguel R. Camus