MODEL PORTFOLIO
THE GIST
NEWS AND FEATURES
Global Philippines Fine Living
INSIGHTS
INVESTMENT STRATEGY
Economy Stocks Bonds Currencies
THE BASICS
Investment Tips Explainers Retirement
WEBINARS
2024 Mid-Year Economi Briefing, economic growth in the Philippines
2024 Mid-Year Economic Briefing: Navigating the Easing Cycle
June 21, 2024
Investing with Love
Investing with Love: A Mother’s Guide to Putting Money to Work
May 15, 2024
retirement-ss-3
Investor Series: An Introduction to Estate Planning
September 1, 2023
View All Webinars
DOWNLOADS
Frick collection with palm trees 
Economic Updates
Policy Rate Updates: BSP outlook — cloudy with a chance of rate cut
DOWNLOAD
Façade of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas along Roxas Boulevard
Economic Updates
January Economic Update: Growth slows, prices rise 
DOWNLOAD
Shopping mall establishments at night
Inflation Update: Up, up, and away?
DOWNLOAD
View all Reports
Metrobank.com.ph How To Sign Up
Follow us on our platforms.

How may we help you?

TOP SEARCHES
  • Where to put my investments
  • Reports about the pandemic and economy
  • Metrobank
  • Webinars
  • Economy
TRENDING ARTICLES
  • Investing for Beginners: Following your PATH
  • On government debt thresholds: How much is too much?
  • Philippines Stock Market Outlook for 2022
  • Deficit spending remains unabated

Login

Access Exclusive Content
Login to Wealth Manager
Visit us at metrobank.com.ph How To Sign Up
Access Exclusive Content Login to Wealth Manager
Search
MODEL PORTFOLIO THE GIST
NEWS AND FEATURES
Global Philippines Fine Living
INSIGHTS
INVESTMENT STRATEGY
Economy Stocks Bonds Currencies
THE BASICS
Investment Tips Explainers Retirement
WEBINARS
2024 Mid-Year Economi Briefing, economic growth in the Philippines
2024 Mid-Year Economic Briefing: Navigating the Easing Cycle
June 21, 2024
Investing with Love
Investing with Love: A Mother’s Guide to Putting Money to Work
May 15, 2024
retirement-ss-3
Investor Series: An Introduction to Estate Planning
September 1, 2023
View All Webinars
DOWNLOADS
Frick collection with palm trees 
Economic Updates
Policy Rate Updates: BSP outlook — cloudy with a chance of rate cut
February 19, 2026 DOWNLOAD
Façade of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas along Roxas Boulevard
Economic Updates
January Economic Update: Growth slows, prices rise 
February 6, 2026 DOWNLOAD
Shopping mall establishments at night
Inflation Update: Up, up, and away?
February 5, 2026 DOWNLOAD
View all Reports

Invest in Stocks

Access this content:

If you are an existing investor, log in first to your Metrobank Wealth Manager account. ​

If you wish to start your wealth journey with us, click the “How To Sign Up” button. ​

Login HOW TO SIGN UP
This week in the stock market
background-img background-img-mobile
Chart of the week as of February 19, 2026

A stable, defensive play with reliable income potential
Scroll to view columns

Manila Electric Company (Meralco) continues to demonstrate strong defensive qualities supported by stable operations and predictable cash flows within a regulated environment. Its core power distribution business provides steady earnings visibility, while ongoing efficiency initiatives and infrastructure improvements help reinforce service reliability and long‑term operational resilience. Together, these factors contribute to the company’s reputation as a dependable name within the utilities sector, particularly for investors seeking stability across market cycles.

Meralco’s consistent track record of returning capital to shareholders enhances its investment appeal, especially for portfolios that value reliable income streams. The company’s long‑established pattern of regular payouts, coupled with disciplined financial management, supports the sustainability of these distributions. With its essential‑service profile and steady fundamentals, the stock remains well‑positioned as a defensive holding offering both income reliability and moderate growth potential.

(Disclaimer: This is general investment information only and does not constitute an offer or guarantee, with all investment decisions made at your own risk. The bank takes no responsibility for any potential losses.)  

Stock watch: Meralco, ICTSI, San Miguel
Makati cityscape at night with lights from buildings and cars.

For the first half of 2026, the outlook for Philippine equities remains defensive. Metrobank forecasts gross domestic product to grow 5.4% this year. Although, investors are expected to look past this and focus on persistent softness in corporate earnings.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to cut the key policy rate to 4%, according to Metrobank forecasts, likely causing the yield curve to steepen. Monetary authorities’ easing bias is tempered by headwinds such as currency weakness and price pressure. Metrobank estimates the peso to depreciate to the 60 per dollar level.

In this environment, a defensive stance favors high-yielding stocks such as real estate investment trusts and utilities alongside companies with established earnings. Banks face a more measured outlook due to tapering loan growth and muted capital expenditures, shifting opportunities toward selective consumer lending pockets. The property sector remains a conviction pick supported by an improving fundamental outlook and attractive valuations.

Stock Call Index Weight Remarks
Manila Electric Company (MER) Overweight 4.68% The company continues to enjoy stability from its regulatory environment, helping both its power distribution and generation businesses produce healthy cash flows. This supports steady dividend growth, and with a dividend yield of 4.2%, the stock looks appealing ahead of its March ex-dividend date.
International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICT) Neutral 17.96% Investor interest in ICTSI remains strong, as the company continues to demonstrate solid global expansion prospects. However, after the stock’s recent rally, valuations now appear slightly stretched. Many investors may prefer to wait for more defined catalysts before increasing exposure.
San Miguel Corporation (SMC) Underweight 0.92% Uncertainty around earnings continues to weigh on sentiment toward San Miguel. The company’s elevated leverage also limits its financial flexibility, pointing to a more cautious and moderate approach to expansion in the near term.
Scroll to view columns

How may we help you?

Search topics about wealth insights and investments.

You are leaving Metrobank Wealth Insights

Please be aware that the external site policies may differ from our website Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy. The next site will be opened in a new browser window or tab.

Cancel Proceed
Get in Touch

For inquiries, please call our Metrobank Contact Center at (02) 88-700-700 (domestic toll-free 1-800-1888-5775) or send an e-mail to customercare@metrobank.com.ph

Metrobank is regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
Website: https://www.bsp.gov.ph

Quick Links
The Gist Webinars Wealth Manager Explainers
Markets
Currencies Rates & Bonds Equities Economy
Wealth
Investment Tips Fine Living Retirement
Portfolio Picks
Bonds Stocks
Others
Contact Us Privacy Statement Terms of Use
© 2025 Metrobank. All rights reserved.

Access this content:

If you are an existing investor, log in first to your Metrobank Wealth Manager account. ​

If you wish to start your wealth journey with us, click the “How To Sign Up” button. ​

Login HOW TO SIGN UP