The Week In Review: Market Navigates Economic Currents Amidst Sectoral Shifts
Posted on 1/11/26
Local equity markets experienced a week of notable divergence, with certain sectors thriving amidst optimistic economic signals while others faced significant headwinds. This past week, starting Monday, January 5, saw investors carefully weigh the impact of anticipated central bank rate cuts, which are widely expected to boost liquidity and stimulate economic activity. Concurrently, ongoing discussions around major infrastructure probes continued to shape sentiment, particularly within the construction and development sectors. The overall trading landscape reflected a cautious optimism, punctuated by sharp movements in individual stocks.
Leading the pack of stellar performers was Supercity Realty Development Corporation (SRDC), which started the week with P20.45 and closed remarkably higher. SRDC saw its share price peaked at P45.95 on Wednesday, January 7, translating to a staggering 124.69% gain at its highest point before settling at P32.2 on Friday. Another mining giant, Global Ferronickel Holdings, Inc. (FNI), also showed impressive strength, starting at P1.58 and peaked at P1.97 on Wednesday, January 7, for a 24.68% maximum gain, concluding the week at P1.90.
Further reinforcing the positive sentiment in resource-related industries were Nihao Mineral Resources International, Inc. (NI) and Alsons Consolidated Resources, Inc. (ACR). NI began the week at P0.32 and saw its maximum gain of 23.43% on Wednesday, January 7, reaching P0.395, ultimately closing at P0.35. Meanwhile, ACR started at P0.485 and peaked at P0.56 on Tuesday, January 6, for a 15.46% gain, settling at P0.53 by week's end. The strong performance of these companies suggests investor confidence in the long-term prospects of basic materials and power generation, critical components for the nation's GDP growth targets.
The financial sector presented a mixed picture. BDO Unibank, Inc. (BDO) started the week at P139.5, peaking at P143.6 on Tuesday, January 6, reflecting a 2.93% gain, before settling at P139.1 on Friday. However, the bank also registered its lowest point at P136.2 on Thursday, January 8. Citystate Savings Bank, Inc. (CSB) showed significant volatility, starting at P15.42 and peaked at P16.82 on Tuesday, January 6, before ending the week with a notable 4.15% loss at P14.78 on Friday. This reflects the dynamic interplay between rate cut expectations, which could compress margins, and robust loan growth prospects.
On the other side of the spectrum, Macay Holdings, Inc. (MACAY) was among the week's biggest losers, starting at P6.99 and registering its lowest point at P5.82 on Wednesday, January 7, marking a significant 16.73% decline, finally closing at P6.78. Similarly, Philippine Trust Company (PTC) experienced a tough week, starting at P120.0 and plunging to its lowest point of P100.0 on Tuesday, January 6, for a 16.66% loss, eventually settling at P119.0. These pronounced drops underscore specific company challenges or broader industry concerns, possibly exacerbated by lingering supply chain issues or shifts in consumer behavior following recent typhoon advisories in certain regions.
Other significant decliners included Philcomsat Holdings Corporation (PHC) which started at P1.78 and hit its lowest point of P1.56 on Tuesday, January 6, representing a 12.35% loss, and closing at P1.77. Primex Corporation (PRMX) also faced a downturn, starting at P1.29 and recording its lowest point at P1.13 on Thursday, January 8, resulting in a 12.40% loss, settling at P1.16. Even some consumer-oriented stocks like Allday Marts, Inc. (ALLDY) started at P0.035 and recorded a max loss of 8.57% at P0.032 on Friday, where it settled for the week.
As the week concluded on Friday, January 9, the market's performance painted a complex picture of resilience and vulnerability. While robust infrastructure spending and a potential easing of monetary policy offered tailwinds for certain sectors like real estate and mining, other areas grappled with sector-specific challenges and competitive pressures. Investors will be closely watching upcoming economic data releases and further policy pronouncements from the central bank as they navigate a market still finding its footing in a dynamic economic landscape.
