STOCKS, PESO GAIN AS INVESTORS AWAIT KEY ECONOMIC DATA

MANILA – The Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) rose 0.54% to 6,180.72 on Monday, while the peso strengthened to ₱57.21 per dollar, ahead of major economic data releases.

Despite trading in the red for most of the session, late buying pushed stocks higher as investors positioned themselves for upcoming macroeconomic reports, said Regina Capital Managing Director Luis Limlingan.

Markets will be closed Tuesday for Eid’l Fitr, but key data—including the S&P Global Manufacturing PMI, February’s Producer Price Index, and budget balance—will be released this week. March inflation data is set for April 4.

Market highlights:

Most sectors gained, except Services (-2.16%) and Financials (-0.75%)

Advancers outpaced decliners (104 to 99)

Peso strengthened from Friday’s ₱57.38 close

Trade volume declined to $1.18B from $1.62B

ia/mnm