Philippine stocks join global stock upswing on Middle East hopes

MANILA, Philippines — Local stocks rose on Wednesday as investors bet on easing geopolitical conflict in the Middle East. The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) gained 0.84 percent or 49.74 points, to close at 5,998.68. Philstocks financial research manager Japhet Tantiangco said sentiment improved on signals that the conflict involving Iran could deescalate in