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The Week In Review: Divergent Movements Amid Economic Signals

Posted on 2/22/26

The trading week, spanning from Monday, February 16, 2026, to the close of business on Thursday, February 19, 2026, presented a mixed picture for the local market. Investors navigated a landscape shaped by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas' (BSP) recent decision to maintain benchmark interest rates, which, while hinting at future cuts, underscored a cautious monetary stance. This was juxtaposed against preliminary indicators suggesting robust Q4 2025 GDP growth, fostering cautious optimism in certain sectors. However, lingering logistical challenges from Typhoon 'Odette' and ongoing governmental scrutiny into major infrastructure projects introduced elements of uncertainty, leading to highly divergent stock performances.

Amidst this backdrop, several equities posted significant gains, signaling strong investor confidence in specific niches. Keppel Philippines Properties, or KEP, emerged as a standout performer, having started the week with shares at 2.62 and settling with 3.27 by Thursday's close. The stock notably peaked at 3.6 on February 17, 2026, marking an impressive 37.40% gain attributed possibly to renewed interest in strategic property assets or specific company developments. Similarly, Alliance Select Foods International (FOOD) started the week at 0.37 and saw a remarkable surge, peaking at 0.45 on February 18, 2026, reflecting a 21.62% increase before settling at 0.42, likely boosted by resilient consumer demand in the food sector.

The mining and infrastructure sectors also witnessed notable upward momentum. Global Ferronickel Holdings (FNI) started its run at 1.93 and settled strong at 2.25 by Thursday, with its maximum gain of 16.58% recorded on February 19, 2026. Nihao Mineral Resources International (NI) followed suit, commencing at 0.4 and concluding the trading period at 0.45, peaking at this figure on February 19, 2026, for a 12.5% gain. This positive sentiment in mining was largely fueled by robust global commodity prices. Meanwhile, Philippine Infradev Holdings (INFRA) also experienced a healthy increase, starting at 0.33 and settling at 0.37, peaking at this price on February 19, 2026, representing a 12.12% gain, likely on expectations of accelerated government infrastructure spending.

However, the week was not without its significant downturns. Cirtek Holdings Philippines Corporation Preferred B-2 Subseries C Shares (TCB2C) suffered the steepest percentage decline, starting at 11.2 and plummeting to 8.34 by Thursday's close. Its lowest day of the week was February 19, 2026, for a devastating 25.54% loss, potentially due to large block trades or broader uncertainty in the technology manufacturing sector. Philippine Trust Company (PTC) also saw substantial pressure, initiating at 102.0 and concluding at 88.05. Its lowest day of the week was February 18, 2026, at 88.05, representing a 13.68% loss, possibly reflecting sector-specific concerns within the banking industry or investor reactions to the BSP's steady rate policy.

Other major conglomerates and resource-based firms also faced considerable headwinds. Semirara Mining and Power Corporation (SCC) started the week at 26.1 and settled at 25.55, but its lowest day of the week was February 17, 2026, when it dipped to 22.55, marking a 13.60% loss from its weekly open, likely impacted by fluctuating coal prices and environmental policy concerns. Ferronoux Holdings (FERRO) and PTFC Redevelopment Corporation (TFC) likewise recorded significant losses of 10.57% and 14.06% respectively, with their lowest points reached mid-week or by Thursday's close, suggesting a cautious stance among investors towards certain holding and property development firms.

Meanwhile, some stocks displayed remarkable resilience or volatility throughout the week. DMCI Holdings (DMC) started at 9.2, experienced its lowest day of the week on February 17, 2026, with an intra-week dip of 7.61% to 8.5, yet managed to recover and settle at 9.5 by Thursday's close, peaking at this price on February 19, 2026, for an overall 3.26% gain. This intra-week swing highlights the market's responsiveness to news flows and quick shifts in sentiment. Elsewhere, Wilcon Depot (WLCON) started at 6.6 and settled at 7.08, peaking at 7.1 on February 18, 2026, for a 7.58% gain, indicating robust demand in the home improvement sector, possibly bolstered by post-typhoon rebuilding efforts.

As the week concluded on Thursday, the market demonstrated a clear bifurcation, with strong performers driven by sector-specific catalysts and macroeconomic optimism, while others grappled with company-specific challenges or broader policy uncertainties. The cautious stance of the BSP, coupled with the mixed signals from GDP growth and the persistent impacts of natural calamities and infrastructure probes, will likely continue to define market dynamics. Investors will be closely watching for further inflation data and any shifts in central bank rhetoric in the coming weeks, which could provide clearer direction for the equity landscape.