MSCI is the global index provider that guides large passive investment flows
The broker said Jollibee Foods Corp. (JFC) is now very likely to stay in the MSCI Philippines Standard Index, easing fears of removal that emerged after its shares hit a 52-week low in December.
First Metro explained that those fears faded when JFC announced plans to spin off its international business in January, which helped its market value meet MSCI’s required thresholds.
By contrast, First Metro sees Apex Mining (APX) as a probable new entrant to the MSCI Philippines Small Cap Index after its shares jumped nearly four times in the past year on soaring gold prices.
The broker said APX’s strong run means it now appears to meet MSCI’s size, liquidity, and foreign ownership requirements, pending final free-float checks.
First Metro also said Maynilad Water Services (MYNLD) could enter the Small Cap Index earlier than usual, after its shares climbed 27.5 percent since its November 2025 IPO and now sit well above MSCI’s size cut-off.
—Edited by Miguel R. Camus
