Trump Tariff Pledges Send Philippine Peso and Stock Market Reeling This title effectively captures the main theme of the article, which is the impact of US President Donald Trump's tariff announcements on the Philippine peso and stock market. The use of the word Reeling adds a sense of urgency and drama to the title, making it more attention-grabbing and likely to entice readers to read the full article.

Title Trump Tariff Pledges Send Philippine Peso and Stock Market Reeling

The Philippine peso and stock market took a significant hit on Monday following US President Donald Trump's announcement of additional tariff increases, including reciprocal duties on all countries. The peso weakened by six and a half centavos to P58.095 against the dollar, while the benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) shed 117.87 points, or 1.91 percent, to 6,037.12.

The broader All Shares dropped 46.37 points, or 1.27 percent, to 3,617.27. The peso opened at P58.1$1 and ranged from P58.06 to P58.175, with volume reaching P1.197 billion, a decline from the previous day's P1.284 billion.

Economists attributed the peso's weakening to the dollar strengthening against major global currencies. Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort noted that the peso weakened as the dollar strengthened. Philstocks Financial Inc. research manager Japhet Tantiangco attributed the local market's decline to US President Donald Trump's tariff threats, which include new steel and aluminum tariffs as well as reciprocal tariffs.

The US is the Philippines' biggest export market, accounting for 16.8 percent of all outbound merchandise shipments as of December last year. Trading was relatively quiet on Monday, with net value turnover at P5.03 billion. Foreigners turned net sellers, contributing to the market's decline, with outflows amounting to P438.19 million.

DragonFi Securities, Inc. equity research analyst Jarrod Tin noted that the PSEi closed lower due to concerns over the potential for the US to impose reciprocal tariffs on other countries. Investors are adopting a cautious stance ahead of key economic data releases, including the US inflation report on Wednesday and the Philippine interest rate decision on Thursday, he added.

Regina Capital Development Corp. Managing Director Luis Limlingan observed that Philippine shares opened in the red, with investors awaiting the latest MSCI rebalancing results. Others are taking cues from fresh economic data and possible developments on the geopolitical front. On the local front, the Monetary Board interest rate decision on February 13 takes center stage, with November FDI (foreign direct investment) data set for release on February 12 and December cash remittances scheduled for release on February 14.

All sector indices closed in the red, with property declining the most by 2.43 percent. Mining and oil was the sole gainer, up 0.90 percent. On a company basis, decliners outnumbered gainers, 111 to 78, while 44 were unchanged.

As the global economy continues to grapple with the impact of Trump's tariff pledges, investors are left wondering what the future holds for the Philippine peso and stock market. Will the country's economic growth slow down or continue to thrive despite the challenges? Only time will tell.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.