PSE index hits 11-month low ahead of US inflation data

MANILA  -The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) slid to its lowest level in 11 months on Wednesday as investors sold their positions ahead of the release of US inflation data.

By the closing bell, the PSEi tumbled 1.3 percent, or 81.02 points, to 6,149.18, while the broader All Shares Index was down 0.85 percent, or 28.62 points, to 3,330.81.

“The market fell to its lowest close since October 2022, triggered by heightened investor caution ahead of the US August inflation print as well as worries about rising oil prices,” said Juan Paolo Colet, managing director at China Bank Capital Corp.

“Everyone’s attention will be on the US consumer price index report and the data will determine whether our market rebounds or continues its descent in the coming days,” he added.

Investors are hoping for favorable inflation data before the US Federal Reserve’s policy meeting next week. Meanwhile, market activity ramped up modestly on Wednesday as 740.9 million shares valued at P4.73 billion changed hands. Foreigners were net sellers, amounting to P436.53 million.

All counters fell, with holding firms (-1.53 percent) and property (1.43 percent) underperforming.

BDO Unibank, the top-traded stock, sank 1.96 percent to P130 per share.