What Is the Philippine Stock Exchange?

The Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) is the official stock exchange of the Philippines and the central hub for trading equities and securities in the country. As with other major exchanges around the world, its role is to facilitate investment, capital raising and transparent trading among companies and investors.

This guide provides a comprehensive look at what the PSE is, how it works, its historical roots, and its structure.

What Is the Role of the PSE?

The Philippine Stock Exchange plays a crucial role in the country’s financial system by:

• Providing a regulated and transparent market for buying and selling shares

• Enabling businesses to raise capital by listing their shares publicly

• Encouraging investment from local and international investors

• Offering data, financial reports and disclosures to maintain market integrity

It supports economic growth by helping businesses access funding and offering investors an opportunity to participate in company performance.

How Did the PSE Begin?

The PSE was formed in 1992 through the merger of two older exchanges: the Manila Stock Exchange (founded in 1927) and the Makati Stock Exchange (founded in 1963).

The merger aimed to unify the country’s capital markets and improve efficiency. The PSE was officially recognised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 1994 and became a publicly listed company in 2003, one of the few exchanges globally to be self-listed.

How Is the PSE Managed?

The PSE is overseen by a Board of Directors, which includes representatives from various sectors including brokerage, listed companies, and independent experts.

It is regulated by the Philippine SEC, ensuring compliance with local securities laws and corporate governance standards.

How Is the PSE Organised?

The Exchange is divided into several segments:

• Main Board – For large, established companies

• Small, Medium and Emerging (SME) Board – For smaller firms with growth potential

• PSEi (Philippine Stock Exchange Index) – The benchmark index composed of the top 30 listed companies based on liquidity and market capitalisation

The PSE also manages trading systems, clearing operations, and maintains a strict set of listing rules and disclosure standards to protect investors.

Where Is the PSE Located?

The Philippine Stock Exchange is headquartered at:

PSE Tower                   
5th Avenue corner 28th Street
Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig City
Metro Manila, Philippines

This modern facility houses both the corporate offices and trading floor, although most trading is now electronic.

What Are the Business Hours of the PSE?

PSE trading hours follow Philippine Standard Time (UTC+8) and are as follows:

• Pre-Open Session: 9:00 AM – 9:29 AM

• Opening Period: 9:30 AM – 9:45 AM

• Continuous Trading: 9:45 AM – 12:45 PM

• Run-Off / Closing Auction: 12:45 PM – 12:50 PM

• Market Close: 12:50 PM

Note: The PSE is closed on weekends and Philippine public holidays.

How Do You Contact the PSE?

You can reach the Philippine Stock Exchange through the following channels:

• Website: pse.com.ph

• Email: investorrelations@pse.com.ph

• Phone: +63 2 8876 4888

• Mail: PSE Tower, 5th Ave cor. 28th St., BGC, Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines

Their website also provides real-time market data, company disclosures, investor education resources and listing requirements.

Final Thoughts

The Philippine Stock Exchange is a vital component of the country’s financial infrastructure. With its origins in the early 20th century and its modern role in supporting listed companies and investors, the PSE continues to evolve as a gateway to investment in the Philippines. Whether you're a local investor or an international fund manager, understanding the PSE's role, structure and trading systems is essential for navigating the Southeast Asian financial markets.