Manila: The local bourse's main index closed lower on Thursday as concerns over the Middle East situation weighed on sentiment, while the peso weakened further against the US dollar. The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) slipped 0.10 percent to 5,983.81, while the broader All Shares index fell 0.19 percent to 3,369.72. According to Philippines News Agency, half of the sectoral gauges fell, namely Mining and Oil by 1.40 percent, Financials by 1.13 percent, and Industrial by 0.33 percent. Conversely, Services rose by 0.41 percent, Property by 0.13 percent, and Holding Firms by 0.07 percent. Trading volume reached 4.03 billion shares worth PHP5.74 billion. Decliners outnumbered advancers, 102 to 92, while 62 stocks were unchanged. Philstocks Financials Inc. commented in a market report that the market extended its decline as investors continue to worry over the outlook of the situation between the US and Iran, with no deal in sight to end their conflict. Additionally, investors stayed cautious ahead of th e Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas' policy decision, which later announced a 25-basis-point rate hike. In the foreign exchange market, the peso closed at 60.48 to the dollar, weaker than Wednesday's 60.13 finish. Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort noted that the peso's weakness reflected higher global oil prices due to Middle East tensions and a correction in the US dollar against major currencies. The peso opened at 60.25, weaker than its previous 60.05 start, and traded between 60.25 and 60.58, averaging 60.46 for the day. The trading volume reached USD1.83 billion, higher than the previous USD1.61 billion.