Manila: Bargain hunting lifted the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) on Tuesday, while the peso weakened against the US dollar. The PSEi inched up 0.16 percent to 5,957.87, while the All Shares index rose 0.39 percent to 3,350.16.

According to Philippines News Agency, most sectoral indices gained, led by Mining and Oil at 1.85 percent; Financials and Holding Firms both at 0.58 percent; and Services at 0.32 percent. However, Property and Industrial indices declined by 0.33 percent and 0.13 percent, respectively. The total volume reached 1.27 billion shares worth PHP5.82 billion, with advancers outnumbering decliners 120 to 76, while 65 shares remained unchanged.

Luis Limlingan, head of sales at Regina Capital Development Corporation, noted, "Philippine shares edged higher as the PSEi rebounded on bargain hunting following the previous session's decline. Gains came despite a higher-than-expected inflation print, as investors cautiously accumulated positions." Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed inflation accelerated to 4.1 percent in March 2026 from 2.4 percent in February, driven mainly by a 9.9-percent rise in transport costs due to higher oil prices. The latest figure exceeded the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas' 3.1 to 3.9 percent forecast range. Limlingan added, "Sentiment remained fragile amid renewed tensions in Iran that could prolong the oil crisis and further elevate inflation risks."

Meanwhile, the peso closed weaker at 60.33 to the US dollar, slipping from 60.05 in the previous session. It opened at 60.18, strengthened to 60.08 intraday, but later depreciated, with the day's average standing at 60.20. Dollar trading volume declined to USD1.68 billion from USD1.87 billion previously.