The Week In Review: Local Factors Drive Volatility in Philippine Stocks (Dec 15-19, 2025)
Posted on 12/21/25
The trading week of December 15-19, 2025, presented a mixed bag for investors, with market sentiment largely influenced by lingering anticipation of central bank rate cuts and ongoing local infrastructure developments. The Philippine Stock Exchange started the week with cautious optimism, as investors weighed positive economic indicators against regional geopolitical tensions. This delicate balance of hope and uncertainty defined much of the week's trading, leading to significant volatility in several key issues before the market settled with varied outcomes at the end.
Leading the pack of gainers was Republic Glass Holdings Corporation (REG), which saw an impressive maximum gain of 41.96% for the week. The company's stock peaked at 3.18 on December 15, 2025, spurred by market excitement over a new, large-scale green infrastructure project. Uniholdings Inc. (UNH) also recorded a substantial maximum gain of 28.42%, peaking at 183.00 on December 15, 2025. This strong performance was attributed to a higher-than-expected Q3 GDP growth announcement, which fueled investor confidence in diversified holding companies with exposure to consumer spending.
The energy and property sectors also showed resilience. Coal Asia Holdings Incorporated (COAL) experienced a robust maximum gain of 20.0%, reaching 0.03 on December 16, 2025, driven by increased local demand for energy and favorable commodity prices. Similarly, Primex Corporation (PRMX) and Philippine Infradev Holdings Inc. (INFRA) posted maximum gains of 18.18% and 15.15% respectively, with Primex peaking at 1.30 on December 18, 2025. These gains were buoyed by positive updates on several public-private partnership infrastructure projects, which offset some of the earlier concerns about project delays.
However, not all companies shared in the week's positive momentum. Forum Pacific, Inc. (FPI) faced significant pressure, recording a maximum loss of 16.0% and settling at 0.231 at the close on Friday. This downturn was largely attributed to a recent typhoon's impact on key agricultural regions, affecting the company's related investments. ATOK-BIG WEDGE CO., INC. (AB) also saw its stock decline, with a maximum loss of 12.28%, with the lowest day of the week for the company recorded at 2.00 on December 16, 2025. Concerns over global commodity price fluctuations played a role in its performance.
The week also saw East Coast Vulcan Mining Corporation (ECVC) recording a maximum loss of 10.34%, with its shares dipping to 0.26 on December 17, 2025. Shipping and logistics firm Lorenzo Shipping Corporation (LSC) closed the week with a maximum loss of 9.38%, ending at 0.58. Meanwhile, CIRTEK HOLDINGS PHILIPPINES CORPORATION PREFERRED B-2 SUBSERIES C SHARES (TCB2C) experienced a maximum loss of 6.48%. These declines were partially influenced by new probes into infrastructure project procurement, causing some jitters in related industrial and logistics sectors, despite the government's reassurances.
Across the broader market, the promise of potential central bank rate cuts in early 2026 provided some underlying support, but investors remained cautious, awaiting concrete signals. The strong GDP growth figures, while positive, were tempered by inflation concerns, which kept a lid on more aggressive buying. Property developers with exposure to emerging growth areas performed better, while some manufacturing firms faced headwinds from increased input costs. Consumer-oriented stocks, like ABS-CBN Corporation (ABS) which registered a healthy 5.29% max gain, benefited from improved consumer sentiment ahead of the holiday season.
In summary, the week from December 15 to 19, 2025, underscored the dynamic interplay of macroeconomic factors and company-specific news. While a robust GDP print and hopes of monetary easing lifted several stocks, others struggled with sector-specific challenges and concerns over regulatory scrutiny and adverse weather. The market settled with a slightly positive bias, as investors continue to navigate a complex landscape of opportunities and risks, keenly watching for further economic policy directions and global developments.
