The Week In Review: Philippine Markets Navigate Growth Prospects and Sector-Specific Headwinds
The Philippine stock market showed mixed performance from February 23-27, 2026. Strong GDP growth forecasts boosted consumer-centric and resource sectors, with Uniholdings Inc. and Wellex Industries Inc. leading gains of 20.0% and 21.15% respectively.
Market Review: Shipping, Mining Stocks Rally While Retail and Property Retreat
The local stock market witnessed a day of divergent performances, with shipping and mining sectors showing strong gains, while retail and property-related stocks faced headwinds. Lorenzo Shipping Corporation (LSC) led the gainers with a 19.64% increase, closing at 0.67 amidst positive sentiment in logistics. Alliance Select Foods International, Inc. (FOOD) also surged by 17.86% to 0.495, possibly driven by aquaculture and export demand. Benguet Corporation's 'A' (BC) and 'B' (BCB) shares both recorded significant jumps of 13.33%, fueled by rallies in global metal prices. Other notable gainers included LFM Properties Corporation (LPC), Cirtek Holdings Philippines Corporation Preferred B-2 Subseries C Shares (TCB2C), Boulevard Holdings, Inc. (BHI), Alsons Consolidated Resources, Inc. (ACR), Supercity Realty Development Corporation (SRDC), and Philweb Corporation (WEB). Conversely, AllHome Corp. (HOME) was among the top losers, plummeting 9.09% to 0.250 due to concerns over consumer spending in the retail sector. PTFC Redevelopment Corporation (TFC) also fell sharply by 9.09% to 50.00. Nihao Mineral Resources International, Inc. (NI) and Keppel Philippines Properties, Inc. (KEP) recorded losses of 8.89% and 8.56% respectively, reflecting potential weakness in the mining and property markets. Other decliners included Prime Media Holdings, Inc. (PRIM), Waterfront Philippines, Incorporated (WPI), TKC Metals Corporation (T), Philippine Infradev Holdings Inc. (INFRA), Makati Finance Corporation (MFIN), and Acesite (Phils.) Hotel Corporation (ACE).
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The Week In Review: Divergent Movements Amid Economic Signals
The Philippine stock market experienced a week of divergent performances from February 16 to 19, 2026, influenced by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas' decision to hold interest rates steady, positive Q4 2025 GDP indicators, and lingering effects of Typhoon 'Odette' and infrastructure probes. Keppel Philippines Properties (KEP) led gainers with a 37.40% surge, peaking at 3.6 on Feb 17, while Alliance Select Foods International (FOOD) also saw a significant 21.62% increase. Mining firms like Global Ferronickel Holdings (FNI) and Nihao Mineral Resources International (NI), alongside Philippine Infradev Holdings (INFRA), also posted strong gains. Conversely, Cirtek Holdings Preferred B-2 Subseries C Shares (TCB2C) was the week's biggest loser, plummeting 25.54%, with Philippine Trust Company (PTC) and Semirara Mining and Power Corporation (SCC) also experiencing double-digit losses. The week highlighted market volatility, with some stocks like DMCI Holdings (DMC) showing significant intra-week swings before recovering. The outlook remains cautious, with investors focused on future monetary policy signals and economic data.
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Resource Firms Lead Market Gains While Select Preferred Shares Retreat
Trading on Friday presented a stark contrast in performance, with resource companies experiencing significant gains while select preferred shares and property firms encountered downward pressure. Prime Media Holdings, Inc. led the gainers, surging by 13.73% to close at ₱1.16, driven by a volume of 9.63 million shares. The mining sector also saw strong upward momentum, with Nihao Mineral Resources International, Inc., Lodestar Investment Holdings Corporation, Geograce Resources Philippines, Inc., and Apex Mining Co., Inc. all posting substantial increases, reflecting positive sentiment potentially tied to commodity prices. Apex Mining, in particular, added ₱0.70 to reach ₱16.14 on high trading volume. MRC Allied, Inc. and Greenergy Holdings Incorporated, both with interests in energy, also recorded healthy gains. Conversely, Cirtek Holdings Philippines Corporation Preferred B-2 Subseries C Shares took the biggest hit, plummeting 20.57% to ₱8.34. Property-related counters like LFM Properties Corporation and PTFC Redevelopment Corporation also saw double-digit percentage declines. Oriental Petroleum and Minerals Corporation 'A' dropped 7.69%, while Primex Corporation and Alliance Select Foods International, Inc. also recorded losses. Balai Ni Fruitas Inc., Suntrust Resort Holdings, Inc., and Alsons Consolidated Resources, Inc. rounded out the significant losers, with their performance likely influenced by sector-specific news or broader market sentiment affecting their respective industries. The day's activity highlighted a market responding to distinct drivers across different segments.
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From Spectator to Shareholder: Your First Steps in Equities
Aspiring investors often face inertia despite extensive research. This article outlines a practical, phased approach to enter the stock market, starting with a stable core of blue-chip companies. It then explores income generation through Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and strategic growth opportunities in consumer and energy sectors. Crucially, it highlights key red flags to avoid speculative pitfalls and green flags like insider buying for identifying true value. The ultimate goal is to build a consistent investing habit.
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