Stocks up despite renewed trade war fears

The local stock market gained strength despite even though it was widely expected to weaken because of news that the US is preparing a new list of Chinese goods for tariffs. The Philippine Stock Exchange index rose 100.44 points or 1.39 percent to close at 7,333.73 with all sectoral indices also in the green. Volume was slightly higher with 852 million shares worth R5.16-billion shares changing hands. Analysts said investors continued to hunt for bargains, spurred on by stronger US markets with the Dow posting its fourth consecutive day gain. (JAL)