Capital Markets

The Philippines Stock Exchange (PSE) was the best-performing index in Asia in 2011, although it could not match the incredible 37.6% growth it displayed in 2010. Still, the bourse managed to close out the year 4.1% higher, thanks largely to the strong performance of the mining and oil counter. Now managers of the PSE, which is the smallest of South-east Asia’s major stock markets, want to increase the volume and complexity of trading, upgrading technology, allowing shorting, and listing exchange-traded funds. This chapter contains interviews with Hans Sicat, President, PSE; Cecilia Tan, President, BPI Capital Corporation; and Roberto Juanchito T Dispo, President, First Metro Investment Corporation.