Philippine stock market weakens over US rate cut concerns, Trump tariff threats

The Philippine stock market weakened on Thursday, Feb. 20, as investors worried about potential delays in U.S. interest rate cuts and increased tariff threats by President Trump.

The main index fell 53.25 points or 0.87 percent to close at 6,066.63, with the property sector leading the decline while banks advanced.

Volume increased to 1.2 billion shares valued at P5.72 billion, and declining stocks outnumbered advancing ones 113 to 74.

According to Luis Limlingan of Regina Capital Development Corporation, the market's drop below 6,100 was influenced by a cautious Federal Reserve stance and Trump's threat of imposing a 25 percent tariff on imported autos, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals starting in April.

Minutes from the latest Federal Reserve meeting showed officials' concern about inflation progress before cutting rates and the potential economic impact of tariffs.