Manila: Earnings reports of listed firms helped lift the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) on Wednesday, and the peso followed. The main equities index gained 0.27 percent to 6,370.65 points, and the broader All Shares index increased by 0.24 percent to 3,779.96 points.

According to Philippines News Agency, the sectors showed a mix of performance with Services, Mining, and Oil, and Industrial rising by 2.19 percent, 1.68 percent, and 0.86 percent, respectively. Conversely, the Property sector fell by 1.16 percent, Financials decreased by 0.35 percent, and Holding Firms slipped by 0.09 percent. The trading volume reached 664.92 million shares, amounting to PHP6.78 billion. Advancers led decliners at 93 to 84 while 63 shares remained unchanged.

Aside from earnings reports, Luis Limlingan, head of sales at Regina Capital Development Corporation, noted that there is optimism regarding lower inflation, which could influence the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) in its upcoming meeting. The central bank is expected to cut its key rates again during the fourth policy rate setting meeting of the Monetary Board this year, scheduled for August 28. Inflation has remained below the government's 2-3 percent target band, with the July 2025 level at 0.9 percent, down from 1.4 percent in the previous month, marking its lowest since October 2019. Investors are closely assessing shifts in labor market dynamics and the broader implications of policy discussions, Limlingan added.

The peso appreciated against the US dollar, ending the day at 57.47 compared to its 57.63 close on Tuesday. It opened the day weaker at 57.6 against the previous day's 57.4. The trading range was between 57.78 and 57.41, with the day's average at 57.61. Trading volume rose to USD2.49 billion from the previous session's USD2.1 billion.