Manila: The local stock barometer ended lower Tuesday as investors took profits from the previous day's sharp increase, while the peso ended almost flat against the US dollar. The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) slipped by 0.39 percent to 5,756.66 points, and broader All Shares by 1.50 percent to 3,231.55 points.

According to Philippines News Agency, half of the sectors also finished in the red, with Services sliding by 1.65 percent, Mining and Oil by 1.31 percent, and Industrial by 1.07 percent. In contrast, Property rose by 1.13 percent, Financials by 0.28 percent, and Holding Firms by 0.02 percent. Luis Limlingan, Regina Capital Development Corp. head of sales, noted, 'The Philippine market ended lower after some profit-taking took over following yesterday's sharp increase. Investors turned cautious as they locked in gains from the previous session's strong run.'

The local currency ended the day's trade at 58.98 from 58.93 on Monday. It opened the day little changed at 59.00 and traded between 58.88 and 59.08, with the day's average standing at 58.97. The trading volume reached USD1.46 billion, up from USD1.32 billion the day before.