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Friday, March 29, 2024

Stocks tumble; URC, Jollibee decline

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Share prices slumped Wednesday ahead of what many expect to be a third successive jumbo rate hike by the Federal Reserve.

The Philippine Stock Exchange Index tumbled 106.77 points, or 1.7 percent, to 6,341.69 on a value turnover of P5.4 billion. Losers routed gainers, 151 to 39, with 33 issues unchanged.

Universal Robina Corp. of the Gokongwei Group, the biggest snack food maker, sank 3.7 percent to P117, while Jollibee Food Corp., the largest fast-food chain, fell 2.5 percent to P238.

Bank of the Philippine Islands of the Ayala Group, the third-biggest lender in terms of assets, dropped 3.3 percent to P93.65., while sister firm Ayala Land Inc. declined 2.5 percent to P26.95.

The rest of Asian stocks fell Wednesday while the dollar hit fresh multi-decade highs against the pound and euro after Russia stepped up its war in Ukraine.

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Equities around the world have been clattered by fears of a recession in major economies as central banks ramp up borrowing costs to combat the highest inflation in decades, which has been compounded by the Ukraine war and supply chain snarls.

In Washington, the Fed is due to conclude its latest policy meeting, with most analysts predicting it will announce another 75 basis-point lift, though some have tipped a full percentage-point move.

However, while the hike has largely been priced into the markets, the US central bank’s forecast and post-meeting comments from boss Jerome Powell are the main attraction for investors.

“Volumes remain light and the mood cautious, with few looking to take on large positions before hearing what the Fed says and where policy makers see rates going by the end of the hiking cycle,” Fiona Cincotta, at City Index, said.

“This is what will drive the markets, not the rate hike… but what the Fed plans to do next.”

Fed officials have for months stuck to the mantra that they will only ease up on their hawkish drive when inflation comes down and remains subdued.

This has led many to warn that rates are unlikely to come down anytime soon, possibly as late as 2024, with a recession more than likely in the United States as well as other major economies.

Other central banks are also meeting this week. On Tuesday, officials in Sweden surprised markets by unveiling a one percentage-point hike, while the United Kingdom and Switzerland are expected to announce more increases.

Asian markets were back in the red, reversing Tuesday’s bounce.

Tokyo, Hong Kong and Sydney were all down more than one percent, while there were also losses in Shanghai, Seoul, Singapore, Wellington, Taipei, Mumbai and Jakarta.

Adding to the dour mood was Vladimir Putin’s announcement of a “partial mobilization” as he upped the ante in his battle against Ukraine after his forces were routed from several cities in recent weeks.

He added that he would annex the territories his forces have already occupied and backed weekend referendums in four regions in Russian-held parts of Ukraine.

“We will definitely use all means available” to protect Russian territory, he warned, adding: “That’s not a bluff.” With AFP

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