PSEi loses ground as peso extends decline, August 17, 2026

Philippine financial markets opened the week lower as stocks gave up their recent recovery while the peso weakened for a third straight trading day.

Philippine financial markets ended lower on Monday, August 17, 2026, as both the stock market and the peso continued to face pressure.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) dropped 35.50 points, or 0.56%, to close at 6,261.80, giving up the gains recorded in the previous trading session. The index slipped further below the 6,300 level, suggesting the market struggled to sustain its brief recovery as volatility continued to shape recent trading.

Peso nearly crosses ₱61.50

The Philippine peso weakened, losing nearly 5 centavos to close at ₱61.495 against the US dollar, extending its decline to a third consecutive trading day.

The local currency reached an intraday high of ₱61.60, around 12 centavos weaker than the previous rate, edging closer to the ₱61.50 level as pressure on the peso continued.

Monday’s session reflected continued pressure across Philippine financial markets. Local equities retreated after briefly restarting their recovery, while the peso extended its losing streak and moved closer to the ₱61.50 level.

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