F. Yap Securities / 2TradeAsia

Expect volatile trades, as some investors seize on the recent ascent to cash-out to reposition portfolios and next week’s Chinese Lunar year break.

Eyes are set whether local gauges would move above the 6,500 barrier, given yesterday’s advance.

Participants might monitor possible continuity of yesterday’s MOC supply pressure, as focus sets on MSCI’s portfolio review (effective 02 March).

Local equities would take its cue from Wall Street’s Friday surge (DJIA +2.47%, Nasdaq Comp. +2.18%) as well as improved manufacturing indicator for December & higher GIR for January.

Sentiment might take its cue from US equities’ overnight weakness, although downsides are seen to be muted, given the lack of other tech sector plays at home.

Similar prior session trend is seen, as markets weigh S&P Global’s credit rating upgrade consideration for the Philippines, vis-a-vis the release of 4Q corporate earnings.

Market participants will monitor continuity of the PSEi’s positive angle, although some might seize on this strength to cash-out.

Sentiment might anchor on the latest improvement in PMI gauge for January, hinting return to economic activity.

Having recouped its poise, fund managers may view with clearer lens on the local economy’s improved growth angle this year.

Prospective follow-through reaction to weaker-than-expected 4Q25 GDP (+3% vs 3Q’s revised +3.9%) might add supply pressure to equities.

Gauges may continue to rise, with the Fed’s status quo on policy rate within expectations.

The market might resume its ascent, as foreign funds position in select large caps with solid upside angles.

The market might take its cue from US equities’ overnight ascent, as investors heed for 4Q interim results.

Movements might be range-bound for now, as market participants take on interest rate feelers for the Fed’s first policy meeting this year.

Another advance is in store for local equities, riding on global investors’ optimism on Pres. Trump’s Greenland tariff U-turn.