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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
Man using his smartphone
Reports
Fed to cut just once 
March 19, 2026 DOWNLOAD
Checkout counters at the supermarket
Economic Updates
February Economic Update: Cut to the chase 
March 10, 2026 DOWNLOAD
gas-station-banner
Economic Updates
Inflation Update: Nowhere but up 
March 5, 2026 DOWNLOAD
View all Reports

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This week in the stock market
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Chart of the week as of March 23, 2026

Stock watch: Ayala, RL Commercial REIT, Jollibee
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Ayala Corporation remains well-positioned amid ongoing global and regional uncertainties, supported by the breadth and balance of its diversified portfolio. As one of the Philippines’ largest conglomerates, Ayala benefits from exposure across key sectors, allowing it to better absorb shocks from geopolitical noise and shifting macro conditions. This diversification provides a degree of resilience at a time when risk sentiment remains uneven and external volatility elevated.

A key stabilizing factor is the conglomerate’s increasing focus on renewable energy through ACEN Corporation, with integration across subsidiaries helping to mitigate the impact of higher and more volatile energy costs. This strategic emphasis on clean energy not only supports cost efficiency but also aligns the group with long-term structural trends around sustainability and energy transition, which are becoming increasingly important for investors and regulators alike.

On the consumer side, Ayala’s exposure to the electric vehicle space through BYD—which it distributes in the Philippines—adds a complementary growth lever. Demand for electric vehicles has been supported by higher fuel prices, providing a natural hedge against traditional energy cost pressure. Taken together, Ayala’s combination of defensive diversification, renewable energy scale, and selective exposure to emerging growth areas underpins its ability to navigate near-term uncertainty while maintaining longer-term strategic relevance for investors seeking core Philippine equity exposure.

(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: Converge, BDO, Monde Nissin
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 4.5% this year. Although, investors are expected to look past this and focus on persistent softness in corporate earnings.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is expected to hike the key policy rate to 4.75%, according to Metrobank forecasts. Monetary authorities’ shift from easing to tightening is driven by inflationary concerns. The sharp increase in global crude prices is expected to spill over to domestic inflation through higher oil prices, and, ultimately, higher prices of goods and services. Meanwhile, Metrobank estimates the peso to depreciate to the 61 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

Stock Call Index Weight Remarks
Ayala Corporation (AC) Overweight 4.57% Ayala Corporation’s broad and diversified business portfolio positions it well to navigate ongoing geopolitical uncertainty. Its growing renewable energy footprint helps manage energy costs, while exposure to electric vehicle demand through BYD provides additional support amid higher fuel prices.
RL Commercial REIT, Inc. (RCR) Neutral 1.45% RL Commercial REIT is expected to benefit from a significant asset infusion, strengthening its portfolio and supporting steady dividend income over time. However, higher interest rates could make real estate investment trusts, or REITs, yields less attractive versus government bonds, which may weigh on share price performance.
Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) Underweight 2.68% Jollibee delivered solid growth in its latest results, driven by healthy performance across both domestic and international markets. That said, rising costs and softer consumer spending conditions could pressure margins, keeping investor sentiment cautious in the near term.
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