The Week In Review: Market Navigates Volatility Amidst Economic Optimism and Local Disruptions
Posted on 12/28/25
The Philippine stock market experienced a dynamic and often volatile trading week from December 15 to 19, 2025, with investor sentiment oscillating between cautious optimism fueled by robust economic indicators and intermittent jitters from localized events. The market started the week with a buoyant mood, riding on the heels of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas's recent hints at potential rate cuts in early 2026, alongside a strong third-quarter GDP growth announcement that underscored resilient consumer spending and ongoing infrastructure development. However, this bullish sentiment was frequently challenged by profit-taking and sector-specific concerns, creating significant swings for numerous counters.
Monday, December 15, kicked off with considerable enthusiasm, particularly for firms benefiting from the country's infrastructure push. SRDC, Supercity Realty Development Corporation, emerged as a spectacular gainer, peaking at 2.7 pesos on December 15 with an astounding 50.0% gain, as news of new urban development projects circulated. Similarly, ABS-CBN Corporation saw a significant uptick, reflecting a 13.83% max gain for the day and settling at 4.28 pesos, while Alliance Global Group, Inc. Warrants (AGIW) also recorded a healthy 10.0% maximum gain, closing at 1.15 pesos. These early surges suggested investor confidence in specific growth sectors.
However, Monday was not without its laggards, as some profit-taking and sector-specific anxieties weighed down certain stocks. Apollo Global Capital, Inc. (APL) notably experienced its lowest point for the week on December 15 with a 9.09% decline, trading at 0.005 pesos, closing the day at 0.0049 pesos. Oriental Petroleum and Minerals Corporation 'B' (OPMB) also saw its lowest point on the same day, shedding 8.33% to settle at 0.011 pesos, reflecting a cautious stance on speculative energy plays. Italpinas Development Corporation (IDC) also registered a maximum loss of 5.43% on Monday, closing the day lower at 0.84 pesos, amidst broader real estate sector adjustments.
Tuesday, December 16, brought a more pronounced wave of volatility, partly influenced by reports of Typhoon "Ursula Jr." causing localized disruptions in some regions, dampening overall market sentiment. Asiabest Group International Inc. (ABG) suffered a significant blow, experiencing its lowest day of the week on December 16 with a steep 20.33% loss, trading at 19.04 pesos and ultimately settling at 18.9 pesos. SPC Power Corporation (SPC) showcased intense swings, having peaked with a 7.68% gain on Monday at 11.5 pesos, only to face its lowest day for the week on Tuesday with a substantial 17.91% loss, trading at 9.44 pesos and closing at 9.42 pesos amidst concerns over energy supply chain resilience. Philippine Trust Company (PTC) also exhibited dramatic fluctuations, experiencing a maximum loss of 11.39% on Tuesday, but remarkably recovered by week's end.
Despite the mid-week headwinds, several companies demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth. Easycall Communications Philippines, Inc. (ECP) surged with a 21.24% maximum gain on December 16, settling at 3.14 pesos, signaling strong performance in the tech and communications sector. Suntrust Resort Holdings, Inc. (SUN) also shined, peaking with a 21.31% gain on December 16, trading at 0.74 pesos, suggesting continued investor confidence in the tourism and gaming industry despite seasonal weather patterns. United Paragon Mining Corporation (UPM) and Benguet Corporation 'A' (BC) also recorded notable gains on Tuesday, benefiting from relatively stable global commodity prices.
As the trading week drew to a close on Friday, December 19, a strong rally emerged, perhaps driven by year-end window dressing and renewed optimism as typhoon concerns subsided. ABS-CBN Holdings Corporation - Philippine Deposit Receipts (ABSP) led the charge, peaking with an impressive 32.26% gain and settling with a price of 4.1 pesos at the end. Harbor Star Shipping Services, Inc. (TUGS) also enjoyed a robust finish, posting a 23.23% max gain for the day and settling at 0.61 pesos, indicating strong shipping and logistics activity. Global Ferronickel Holdings, Inc. (FNI) closed the week strong, with a 21.30% gain for the day, settling at 1.31 pesos, buoyed by positive sentiment in the mining sector.
Overall, the week of December 15-19, 2025, proved to be a testament to the market's underlying strength tempered by immediate concerns. While the broader economic narrative of potential rate cuts and solid GDP growth provided a positive backdrop, individual stock performances were heavily influenced by specific company developments, sector trends, and minor environmental impacts. Investors navigated a market characterized by both significant opportunities for gains and sharp corrections, setting the stage for what is anticipated to be a dynamic close to the year and an intriguing start to 2026, especially as the central bank's monetary policy path becomes clearer and the government's infrastructure blueprint continues to unfold.
