The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index surged 65.95 points, or 1.01, percent to close at 6,572.75, while the broader all-shares index climbed 16.56 points, or 0.48 percent, to reach 3,463.46.
Analysts also said a recent pullback in markets provided an opportunity to step back in, while easing Middle East tensions were also providing much-needed support. Hopes for a strong batch of earnings — particularly from the crucial tech titans — has been a key driver of the rally in stocks, helping to offset disappointment that the Federal Reserve will not cut interest rates as much as hoped this year, if at all.
A persistently strong jobs market has also raised questions about how low borrowing costs will be by 2025. Asia continued the week’s rally, with Tokyo, Hong Kong, Seoul and Taipei up more than two percent, while Wellington and Manila gained more than one percent higher.