STOCKS

Stocks, also known as shares or equities, might be the most well-known and simple type of investment. When you buy stock, you’re buying an ownership stake in a publicly traded company. Many of the biggest companies in the country are publicly traded, meaning you can buy stock in them. Some examples include Exxon, Apple, and Microsoft.

 

How you can make money: When you buy a stock, you’re hoping that the price will go up so you can then sell it for a profit. The risk, of course, is that the price of the stock could go down, in which case you’d lose money.

Here are some examples of well-known stocks in the Philippines, along with their corresponding stock symbols on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE):

    1. Ayala Corporation (AC): Ayala Corporation is one of the oldest and largest conglomerates in the Philippines, with interests in real estate, banking, telecommunications, water infrastructure, and more. Ayala Corporation – PSE
    2. SM Investments Corporation (SM): SM Investments Corporation is a conglomerate with businesses in retail, banking, property development, and tourism. It operates SM Supermalls, one of the largest mall chains in the Philippines. SM Investments Corporation – PSE
    3. Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC): Jollibee Foods Corporation is a multinational fast-food company based in the Philippines. It operates the largest fast-food chain in the country, known for its flagship brand, Jollibee. Jollibee Foods Corporation – PSE
    4. BDO Unibank, Inc. (BDO): BDO Unibank, Inc. is one of the largest banks in the Philippines, offering a wide range of banking and financial services. BDO Unibank, Inc. – PSE
    5. Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI): Ayala Land, Inc. is a real estate company engaged in property development, leasing, and property management. It is a subsidiary of Ayala Corporation. Ayala Land, Inc. – PSE
    6. Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (TEL): Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company, commonly known as PLDT, is the largest telecommunications company in the Philippines, providing fixed-line, wireless, and internet services. Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company – PSE
    7. SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SMPH): SM Prime Holdings, Inc. is one of the largest property developers in the Philippines, primarily engaged in mall operations, residential development, and commercial leasing. SM Prime Holdings, Inc. – PSE
    8. Globe Telecom, Inc. (GLO): Globe Telecom, Inc. is a telecommunications company that offers mobile, fixed-line, and broadband services in the Philippines. Globe Telecom, Inc. – PSE

These stocks are widely traded on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) and are representative of various sectors of the Philippine economy. You can find more information about these companies and their stock performance on the Philippine Stock Exchange website or through financial news sources.

BONDS

When you buy a bond, you’re essentially lending money to an entity. Generally, this is a business or a government entity. Companies issue corporate bonds, whereas local governments issue municipal bonds. 

How you can make money: While the money is being lent, the lender or investor gets interest payments. After the bond matures, meaning you’ve held it for the contractually determined amount of time, you get your principal back.

The rate of return for bonds is typically much lower than it is for stocks, but bonds also tend to be a lower risk. There is still some risk involved, of course. The company you buy a bond from could fold or the government could default. Treasury bonds, notes and bills, however, are considered very safe investments.

Here are some examples of bonds issued in the Philippines, along with links to more information about each bond:

    1. Republic of the Philippines Bonds: These are bonds issued by the government of the Philippines to finance various projects and operations. They are considered relatively safe investments and are backed by the government’s ability to tax and borrow. Republic of the Philippines Bonds – Bureau of the Treasury

    2. Ayala Corporation Bonds: Ayala Corporation, one of the largest conglomerates in the Philippines, issues bonds to finance its various business activities, including real estate, banking, and telecommunications. Ayala Corporation Bonds – Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. (PDEx)

    3. San Miguel Corporation Bonds: San Miguel Corporation, a diversified conglomerate in the Philippines, issues bonds to raise funds for its operations, including its food and beverage, packaging, and infrastructure businesses. San Miguel Corporation Bonds – PDEx

    4. SM Investments Corporation Bonds: SM Investments Corporation, another major conglomerate in the Philippines, issues bonds to finance its retail, banking, property development, and other businesses. SM Investments Corporation Bonds – PDEx

    5. Philippine National Bank (PNB) Bonds: PNB, one of the largest banks in the Philippines, issues bonds to raise funds for its banking and financial services. PNB Bonds – PDEx

Before investing in bonds, it’s important to research and understand the risks associated with each bond and to consider your investment goals and risk tolerance.

REAL ESTATE

Real estate investment involves the purchase, ownership, management, rental, or sale of real estate for profit. It is a popular form of investment due to its potential for long-term growth, passive income, and portfolio diversification.

How can you make money: There are several ways to make money in real estate, depending on your goals, resources, and risk tolerance. Here are some common strategies. 

    1. Rental Income: Purchasing a property and renting it out to tenants can provide a steady stream of income. The rental income should ideally cover your mortgage, taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs, with the potential for profit.
    2. Property Appreciation: Real estate values tend to increase over time, allowing you to sell the property for a profit. Buying properties in areas with strong growth potential can increase the likelihood of appreciation.
    3. Flipping Properties: Buying properties that need renovation or improvement, making the necessary upgrades, and selling them for a higher price can be a profitable strategy. However, it requires careful planning and renovation management to ensure a good return on investment.
    4. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs): Investing in REITs allows you to earn a share of the income produced through real estate ownership without having to buy, manage, or finance any properties directly. REITs are traded on stock exchanges and offer dividends to investors.
    5. Real Estate Crowdfunding: Crowdfunding platforms allow you to invest in real estate projects with lower capital requirements. You can pool your money with other investors to fund larger projects and earn a return based on the project’s success.
    6. Short-Term Rentals: Renting out properties for short-term stays through platforms like Airbnb can generate higher rental income compared to traditional long-term rentals. This strategy is popular in tourist areas or during peak travel seasons.
    7. Tax Benefits: Real estate investors can benefit from various tax advantages, such as deductions for mortgage interest, property taxes, depreciation, and expenses related to property management. These tax benefits can help increase your overall return on investment.

It’s important to conduct thorough research, assess your financial situation, and develop a solid investment plan before investing in real estate. Additionally, consider consulting with a real estate professional or financial advisor to help you make informed decisions.

Here are some examples of real estate properties in the Philippines, along with links to more information about each property:

    1. Ayala Land: Ayala Land is one of the largest and most well-known real estate developers in the Philippines. They have a wide range of residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments across the country. Ayala Land – Official Website
    2. SM Prime Holdings: SM Prime Holdings is another major real estate developer in the Philippines, known for its shopping malls, residential developments, and commercial properties. SM Prime Holdings – Official Website
    3. Megaworld Corporation: Megaworld Corporation specializes in developing integrated urban townships, high-rise condominiums, and office buildings in key cities across the Philippines. Megaworld Corporation – Official Website
    4. Filinvest Land: Filinvest Land is a real estate developer with a diverse portfolio of residential, commercial, and industrial projects in the Philippines. Filinvest Land – Official Website
    5. Robinsons Land Corporation: Robinsons Land Corporation is known for its residential projects, office buildings, shopping malls, and hotels in various parts of the Philippines. Robinsons Land Corporation – Official Website

These are just a few examples of real estate developers in the Philippines. Each developer has a portfolio of projects that cater to different market segments and offer various types of properties, including residential, commercial, and industrial.

MUTUAL FUNDS

A mutual fund is a pool of many investors’ money that is invested broadly in a number of companies. Mutual funds can be actively managed or passively managed. An actively managed fund has a fund manager who picks securities in which to put investors’ money. Fund managers often try to beat a designated market index by choosing investments that will outperform such an index. A passively managed fund, also known as an index fund, simply tracks a major stock market index. Mutual funds can invest in a broad array of securities: equities, bonds, commodities, currencies and derivatives.

Mutual funds carry many of the same risks as stocks and bonds, depending on what they are invested in. The risk is often lesser, though, because the investments are inherently diversified.

How you can make money: Investors make money off mutual funds when the value of stocks, bonds and other bundled securities that the fund invests in go up. You can buy them directly through the managing firm and discount brokerages. But note there is typically a minimum investment and you’ll pay an annual fee.

Here are some examples of mutual funds in the Philippines, along with links to more information about each fund:

    1. Philam Asset Management, Inc. (PAMI): PAMI offers a range of mutual funds that cater to different investment objectives and risk profiles. They have equity funds, bond funds, and balanced funds, among others. Philam Asset Management, Inc. – Mutual Funds
    2. Sun Life Asset Management Company, Inc. (SLAMCI): SLAMCI offers a variety of mutual funds that invest in equities, fixed income securities, and other asset classes. They also offer peso and dollar-denominated funds. Sun Life Asset Management Company, Inc. – Mutual Funds
    3. BPI Investment Management, Inc. (BIMI): BIMI manages a range of mutual funds under the BPI Investment Funds brand. They offer funds that invest in Philippine equities, global equities, bonds, and money market instruments. BPI Investment Management, Inc. – Mutual Funds
    4. Philippine Equity Index Fund, Inc. (PEIFI): PEIFI is a mutual fund that aims to replicate the performance of the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi). It is suitable for investors looking for exposure to the Philippine stock market. Philippine Equity Index Fund, Inc. – Mutual Fund
    5. First Metro Asset Management, Inc. (FAMI): FAMI offers a range of mutual funds that invest in different asset classes, including equities, fixed income securities, and money market instruments. First Metro Asset Management, Inc. – Mutual Funds

These are just a few examples of mutual funds available in the Philippines. Each fund has its own investment objectives, risk profile, and fees, so it’s important to research and understand these factors before investing.

FOREX

Forex trading in the Philippines is typically done through online brokers that offer access to the global currency markets. Here are some examples of popular forex brokers in the Philippines, along with links to their websites:

    1. XM: XM is a well-established forex broker that offers a wide range of trading instruments, including forex, commodities, stocks, and indices. They are known for their competitive spreads and reliable trading platforms. XM Philippines
    2. FXTM: FXTM is another popular forex broker that offers a variety of trading accounts and platforms to suit different trading styles. They provide access to a wide range of currency pairs and other financial instruments. FXTM Philippines
    3. AvaTrade: AvaTrade is a globally regulated forex broker that offers trading in a wide range of currency pairs, as well as other financial instruments. They are known for their user-friendly trading platforms and educational resources. AvaTrade Philippines
    4. IG: IG is a well-known forex and CFD broker that offers access to a wide range of markets, including forex, stocks, indices, and commodities. They are regulated by several authorities and offer competitive spreads and a range of trading platforms. IG Philippines
    5. OctaFX: OctaFX is a popular forex broker in the Philippines that offers competitive spreads, fast execution, and a variety of trading accounts to choose from. They also offer a range of educational resources for traders of all levels. OctaFX Philippines

It’s important to note that forex trading carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Before trading forex, it’s essential to understand the risks involved and to ensure that you have a solid trading plan in place.