Lackluster GDP results pull down stocks

Upgrade to High-Speed Internet for only ₱1499/month!

Enjoy up to 100 Mbps fiber broadband, perfect for browsing, streaming, and gaming.

Visit Suniway.ph to learn

January 30, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — A lower-than-expected gross domestic product (GDP) growth sent the stock market crashing back to the 6,200 level.

The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) plummeted by 2.08 percent or 132.42 points to end yesterday’s session at 6,223.36.

The broader All Shares index also took a heavy beating, declining by 1.36 percent or 49.01 points to 3,548.03.

Luis Limlingan of Regina Capital said the PSEi ended lower amid strong and broad-based selling pressure after GDP figures came in below expectations.

“Investor sentiment weakened as the softer growth data raised concerns over the country’s near-term economic outlook. This prompted risk-off positioning, dragging most sectors into the negative territory,” Limlingan said.

Philippine GDP growth slowed to 4.4 percent in 2025, while fourth quarter economic expansion was at three percent.

“The market sank as investors sought shelter following a dismal GDP growth print, suggesting that the desired economic rebound eluded the country despite the holiday boost,” AP Securities Inc. said.

All sectors were in the red, except for mining and oil which delivered a 1.17 percent growth.

Financials took the biggest hit, sliding by 2.49 percent, followed by property which fell by 2.47 percent.

Trading remained strong, with total turnover value reaching P7.55 billion, slightly higher from the previous day’s P7.53 billion.

Decliners battered advancers, 124 to 75, while 56 issues were unchanged.

ICTSI kept its hold as the top traded stock, plunging by 2.48 percent to P629 per share. It was followed by BDO which shed 4.37 percent to P133.50 and RL Commercial REIT which climbed by 1.88 percent to P7.59.