Stock market: In or out?

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According to Andro Leo Beltran, vice president  and head of digital solutions and investor engagement division of First Metro Securities Brokerage Corp., the Philippine stock market, much like any market, moves in cycles — driven by earnings growth, macroeconomic direction, liquidity conditions and investor sentiment. 

“As of late, we’ve been seeing a market that is cautiously optimistic, but still selective. Inflation has shown signs of moderating, interest rates appear to be nearing stabilization and corporate earnings — while mixed across sectors — continue to show resilience in consumer-driven and infrastructure-related industries.

“Is it time to go back to the market? The honest and prudent answer is: it is always a good time to be strategically in the market, but never a good time to be recklessly in the market.”

He explains that “timing the market perfectly is nearly impossible — even for seasoned professionals. Historically, markets reward discipline, consistency and time in the market rather than attempts to predict short-term movements. Volatility, while uncomfortable, is often where opportunities quietly present themselves.”

For Beltran, a prudent approach should involve a gradual re-entry or peso-cost averaging instead of deploying funds all at once. He advises investors to consider spreading investments over time to manage volatility and reduce the risk of entering at an unfavorable price level.

He likewise cites the need to  focus on fundamentals, “as history just keeps on repeating itself, but it’s not always the same scenario. Companies with strong balance sheets, sustainable earnings growth, reliable dividend policies and clear expansion strategies tend to outperform over longer investment horizons.”

“Diversification is non-negotiable,” he stressed, pointing out that “exposure across sectors and asset classes helps cushion portfolio volatility. Investors should avoid concentration risk, especially in uncertain macro environments.”

He adds that market players must align investments with goals and a time horizon, explaining that “short-term market swings matter less when investments are anchored on long-term financial objectives such as retirement, education or wealth preservation.”

Another key advice from him is to maintain liquidity and emergency funds, as “investing should never compromise financial stability. Investors should ensure they maintain adequate liquidity before increasing market exposure.”

For him, “the Philippine economy continues to benefit from favorable demographics, steady consumption, infrastructure development and improving financial inclusion. These structural drivers remain supportive of long-term capital market growth despite periodic volatility.”

Beltran formally assumed his new duties at the start of this year as digital solutions and investor engagement division head of FirstMetroSec, the online brokerage arm of the Metrobank Group. 

I first met him when he was the head of business development and market education departments, and likewise as head of the OFW desk.

His new designation focuses on expanding investor participation, strengthening strategic partnerships, developing platform and product offerings, and advancing financial literacy initiatives across institutions, corporations and academic communities nationwide.

Over the years, he has interacted with thousands of Filipinos both here and abroad — from young investors and corporate professionals to retirees — advocating for sustainable financial planning and responsible investing. He is also actively involved in industry discussions, panel forums and investor education programs that aim to make investing more accessible, practical and relevant to everyday Filipinos.

Beltran strongly believes that investing is not just about growing money — it is about building financial confidence, discipline, and long-term security. 

With  a realistic market view, FirstMetroSec continues to strengthen its already robust digital trading ecosystem as it prepares investors for increasingly dynamic market conditions, reinforcing its long-term commitment to technology-driven investing.

As market participation grows and trading activity becomes more fast-paced, FirstMetroSec has continued to invest in platform enhancements that improve speed, visibility and the overall trading experience. 

Recent upgrades such as trade from charts and the historical portfolio view reflect this direction, giving investors clearer insights and greater control over their investment decisions.

With the  enhancements, the launch of Active Trader marks the latest step in the company’s ongoing digital transformation. Designed as a more responsive and intuitive trading interface, it provides investors with a streamlined, real-time workspace that brings together market data, charts and execution tools in one integrated view. 

The interface is built to support more active participation in the stock market, allowing users to respond more efficiently to market movements while maintaining clarity and ease of use.

Through its chart-first layout and real-time market information, Active Trader enables investors to better monitor price action, assess liquidity and execute trades with greater confidence, particularly during periods of heightened market activity.

According to Mhelvin Abajon, president of FirstMetroSec, “As we begin another year, we remain optimistic about the Philippine stock market. Periods of volatility often create opportunities for disciplined, guided and well-prepared investors. Our role is to ensure clients are equipped with reliable, easy-to-use tools that allow them to participate confidently and responsibly.”

Active Trader forms part of the FirstMetroSec PRO platform which offers advanced trading features for investors seeking deeper market engagement. These include conditional order capabilities that allow users to plan trades more systematically and incorporate risk management into their strategies.

Abajon added, “True to our promise, we continue to innovate and refine our platform to keep pace with how today’s investors trade. Active Trader is one concrete example of our broader commitment to digital readiness, ensuring our clients are prepared as markets become more active and opportunities emerge.”

FirstMetroSec, which is part of the Metrobank Group, provides investors with access to a wide range of investment products, including stocks, bonds, real estate investment trusts and peso- and dollar-denominated mutual funds and unit investment trust funds.

FirstMetroSec continues to advance digital trading technologies that empower investors at every stage of their investing journey. The company has been recognized by the International Finance Awards for seven consecutive years as the Best Online Trading Platform in the Philippines and Best Online Broker in the Philippines.