Philippine stocks step back as investors lock in gains

MANILA, Philippines — After a four-day run-up, the main-share index slightly fell on Thursday as investors locked up gains even as global sentiment remained favorable.

The Philippine Stock Exchange dipped by 2.44 points or 0.04 percent to finish at 5,435.94, weighed down by profit-taking on the financial, industrial and mining/oil counters.  Elsewhere in the region, trading was upbeat as China’s third quarter growth met expectations alongside some positive US housing data.