Manila, Feb 22, 2026, 16:43 GMT+8 — Market closed
- PSEi climbed 0.9% Friday, with financials leading the gains.
- BSP’s most recent rate cut has thrown the spotlight on the peso, with investors now weighing what that could spell for foreign flows.
- This week, analyst briefings are on the calendar for Metrobank, Meralco, and PLDT.
The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) opens at 6,465.12 this Monday after a 0.9% jump on Friday, lifted by gains in financials alongside mining and oil shares. Turnover settled at 5.58 billion pesos. Exchange data showed 107 stocks advanced versus 93 that fell. (Com)
The bounce came after the central bank shaved 25 basis points off its benchmark rate—so a quarter-point cut, putting it at 4.25%—as policymakers look for ways to boost growth. Still, they flagged that next steps depend on how quickly confidence returns. BSP Governor Eli Remolona admitted to reporters the bank now feels “less certain” about the coming quarter or two, noting they had underestimated the impact from last year’s corruption scandal, Reuters reported. (Reuters)
Equity traders are debating whether reduced funding costs might fuel more bank lending and boost demand for property, or if the real driver will be outside variables: the dollar, U.S. rates, even the peso.
Next week’s tape could see a nudge from corporate news, not just the macro scene. The PSE Edge market calendar has analysts gearing up for updates from Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co, AREIT, Manila Electric, PLDT, Rizal Commercial Banking, Nickel Asia, Robinsons Retail, LT Group, Maynilad Water, and Philippine National Bank. Also flagged: cash dividend ex-dates—Petron on Feb. 27, and Manulife Financial along with Sun Life Financial on Feb. 24. (Com)
Risks tied to specific companies haven’t gone away. Semirara Mining and Power and parent DMCI picked up some lost ground last week, with management looking to calm investors after questions swirled about a key coal operating contract. AP Securities’ Shawn Atienza highlighted what he called “persistent volatility” as the regulatory uncertainty continues. Semirara, in a filing, said it’s sticking to its strategy—moving forward with the bidding process and maintaining operations under what it claims is a valid contract. (Insiderph)
First Gen surged after revealing a 75 billion peso commitment for a 40% interest in Prime Infra’s pumped storage ventures. The company said the agreement still needs the green light from the Philippine Competition Commission. (Insiderph)
Brokers zeroed in on positioning and thin liquidity as key factors in the market’s recent moves. AP Securities described the “thinly-traded Philippine market,” highlighting the PSEi’s rebound after snapping a three-day losing skid earlier this week. Over at Regina Capital Development, Luis A. Limlingan pointed to “selective buying” in major index names as investors braced for the BSP’s decision. Japhet Louis Tantiangco of Philstocks Financial also weighed in, citing gains on Wall Street and a firmer peso as further support. (Com)
The peso’s been seeing action in both directions. Bearish positions are now at a two-year low, Reuters positioning data shows, with the currency up about 2.4% for the month. Still, MUFG’s Lloyd Chan warns the BSP’s move to cut rates could narrow the spread with U.S. yields, making the peso more exposed to global shocks. That risk can spark quick exits from Philippine equities. (Reuters)
The week starts with banks and REITs opening up their books, while Meralco and PLDT are slated to release theirs before week’s end. Investors are zeroing in on forward guidance and potential dividend news, also watching closely for any evidence that last week’s rate cut is starting to show up in the numbers.
