The Philippine Stock Exchange index rose 0.64 percent, or 38.85 points, to close at 6,153.66 on June 18, 2026, as investors responded positively to a US-Iran memorandum of understanding that promised to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and ease certain sanctions. The accord, which includes a 60-day reopening of the critical waterway for oil shipments, reduced fears of prolonged disruptions to global energy supplies that had weighed on markets in prior sessions, according to the Inquirer. Trading Economics data placed the PSEi up 4.5 percent over the past month despite remaining 2.86 percent lower than a year earlier.
The Inquirer reported that the rebound came after a broad sell-off the previous day, with gains sustained for most of the session before selective profit-taking in interest rate-sensitive stocks. Luis Limlingan, head of sales at Regina Capital Development Corp., said the Philippine market ended in positive territory, recovering from yesterday’s broad-based sell-off, supported by improved investor sentiment following reports of a peace deal between the United States and Iran. “Gains were sustained for most of the session, although selective profit-taking emerged in the afternoon, particularly among interest rate-sensitive stocks. This came after the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas maintained its tightening stance and continued its rate hikes, prompting investors to reassess sectors exposed to higher borrowing costs,” Limlingan said.
Philstocks Financial Inc. told the Inquirer that the agreement includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz for at least 60 days, a development expected to ease concerns over disruptions in global oil supply. An AP News assessment found the pact would restore much of the pre-war status quo for energy flows, through which a fifth of global traded oil and natural gas had passed before hostilities. Lower oil price risks could help temper inflationary pressures, providing support to financial markets, the brokerage added.
Net value turnover stood at P6.03 billion on subdued activity as participants continued to assess geopolitical developments, the Inquirer reported. Foreign investors turned net buyers with inflows of P167.55 million, offering additional support to the local bourse. PSE figures showed mixed sectoral performance, with the services index advancing 2 percent while the mining and oil sector dropped 2.87 percent.
DigiPlus Interactive Corp. led index members with a 9.11 percent surge to P12.22, according to the Inquirer. Puregold Price Club Inc. posted the largest decline, falling 6.61 percent to P41 per share. The day’s moves reflected selective positioning amid broader optimism over the US-Iran deal’s potential to stabilise commodity prices.
A CNN report on the 14-point memorandum detailed provisions for reopening the strait, easing financial restrictions on Iran and outlining steps for future nuclear talks. The senior US administration official cited by CNN described the agreement as allowing immediate opening of the Strait of Hormuz while committing Iran to steps that could lead to further sanctions relief. Reuters noted that the pact followed weeks of naval blockade and shipping disruptions that had tightened global energy markets.
The PSEi’s recovery aligns with regional benchmarks that also posted gains following the announcement, according to MarketWatch data. Analysts cited by the Inquirer said sustained easing in geopolitical tensions may further improve sentiment if it leads to lower oil prices and a more favourable inflation environment. Turnover remained relatively modest, indicating many investors stayed on the sidelines pending clearer signals on global conditions.
