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⚠️ Financial Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional financial or investment advice. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Always consult a licensed financial advisor before making investment decisions. See our full Disclaimer.
April 2026 is an interesting moment for the PSE. The index is up 15% year-to-date, which sounds great until you realize that most of that gain came from three banking stocks. If you own the right names, you’ve had a good quarter. If you don’t, you’re watching the index move without you.
Para sa karagdagang impormasyon, bisitahin ang opisyal na website ng BSP.
Here’s what I’m actually watching this month — and why.
The Macro Context First
BSP (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas) has been easing interest rates gradually through early 2026. Lower rates are generally good for stocks — they reduce borrowing costs for companies and make dividend yields relatively more attractive compared to bank deposits. This is part of why banks and property stocks have led the rally.
The peso has been range-bound at roughly ₱56-58 to the dollar. For OFWs converting foreign currency to invest, this is important: a weaker peso means your foreign earnings buy more Philippine assets. Something to time if you’re flexible on when you remit.
Stocks I’m Watching This Month
BDO Unibank (BDO) — Traded up strongly in Q1. Now consolidating near ₱148. If it pulls back to the ₱138-142 support zone, that’s a buying opportunity I’d take seriously. P/E at 9x with a 4.8% dividend yield is still reasonable.
AREIT — The Ayala-sponsored REIT has been quietly delivering consistent dividends (yield around 5.5%). Real estate investment trusts are required by law to distribute 90% of earnings as dividends — making them reliable income generators. Worth watching for any dip below ₱35.
Globe Telecom (GLO) — The telco sector has been lagging the broader market. Globe at current levels (~₱1,650) offers a 4.5% yield and has been trading sideways for months. Patience play — collect the dividend while waiting for a catalyst.
Jollibee Foods (JFC) — International expansion is the story here. Jollibee’s global footprint (Smashburger, Tim Hortons Canada) is growing. Stock has recovered from its 2022 lows. This is one I’d own for 5+ years, not trade.
What I’m Avoiding Right Now
Property stocks (excluding REITs) are trading at premiums I don’t love given the interest rate environment. Mining and resources stocks remain too speculative for my OFW portfolio — too much that can go wrong that I can’t monitor from Saudi Arabia.
The Discipline Point
April is also the time when many OFWs get their mid-year bonuses and feel the urge to deploy everything at once. Don’t. Spread buys over 2-3 months. The PSE can — and often does — give you a better entry point than whatever today’s price is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is April 2026 a good time to buy PSE stocks?
Valuations are reasonable but not screaming cheap after the YTD rally. Dollar-cost average rather than going all-in at one price point.
What PSE stocks pay dividends in Q2 2026?
Most Philippine blue chips declare dividends between Q1-Q2. Check the PSE Edge dividend calendar for specific ex-dividend dates.
How do OFWs buy PSE stocks in real time?
Via online brokers like FirstMetroSec, COL Financial, or BPI Trade. All have mobile apps and allow trading during Manila hours (9:30 AM – 3:30 PM PHT).
Edmon Agron is a Filipino OFW based in Saudi Arabia, investing personally in the PSE via FirstMetroSec. He founded WorldNgayon.com to share practical financial insights for OFWs.
