Manila: The local bourse’s main index ended Thursday flat after three consecutive days of increase, and the peso finished sideways against the U.S. dollar. The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) gave up 0.007 percent to 6,093.67 points, but the broader All Shares rose 0.04 percent to 3,672.20 points.

According to Philippines News Agency, half of the sectoral gauges gained during the day, namely Holding Firms, which increased by 0.89 percent; Property, which rose by 0.65 percent; and Financials, up by 0.39 percent. Conversely, Services fell by 1.10 percent, Industrial decreased by 0.74 percent, and Mining and Oil dropped by 0.67 percent.

Volume reached 3.12 billion shares, amounting to PHP9.82 billion, with advancers leading decliners at 108 to 92, while 58 shares remained unchanged. Luis Limlingan, Regina Capital Development Corporation head of sales, noted, “The PSEi ended flat as both buying and selling pressures showed strength throughout the session. Some investors are likely positioning themselves ahead of the earnings season, with several companies already releasing their reports.”

Meanwhile, the local currency finished at 58.12 against the U.S. dollar after strengthening against the dollar and closing Wednesday at 58.05. The local unit opened stronger at 57.99 from its 58.1 opening on the previous day. It even appreciated to 57.98 but was pulled back to 58.16, bringing the day’s average to 58.08. Volume reached USD1.69 billion, lower than the USD1.73 billion a day ago.