US tariffs weigh on PSE; market outlook bearish

Market sentiment is expected to remain bearish this week as US President Donald Trump's tariffs continue to weigh on global equities, including the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE).

The PSEi closed at 6,084.19 last Friday with a weekly decline of 1.03 percent following the announcement of reciprocal tariffs.

Experts predict that the PSEi will trade between 5,800 and 6,300 levels in the near term due to tariff uncertainties and anticipation of potential rate cuts by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on April 10.

Philstocks Financial Research Manager Japhet Tantiangco expects bargain-hunting as market valuations become more attractive after four weeks of decline, though global economic concerns may temper any rise this week.

Despite low inflation and potential rate cuts, the extent to which US tariffs persist poses significant downside risks for foreign capital flows in the region.