n LAST week: The PSE index fluctuated a lot last week as it registered both gains and losses. But at the end of Friday’s trading, the index managed a 27.02-point gain or .91-percent up week on week to close at 2,983.04.

n THIS week: Jonathan Ravelas of BDO-UPCIB said last week’s close suggests a retest of 2,850–2,900 levels. “If said levels are not breached, we may see a bounce towards the 3,000 levels.”

For his part, CitisecOnline.com Inc. president Dino Bate said inflation will still be a concern for the market this week as investors digest its impact on the economy.

“That said, I don’t think inflation is going to spiral and threaten the economic growth of the country. I expect inflation to peak in the second quarter as government efforts to address the rice shortage start to kick in. What could offset this could be the reaction of US investors to the guidance that US corporates will be giving as they announce their first-quarter results. Overall, I think the market will end on a positive note,” he said.

n STOCKS to watch: Meanwhile, AB Capital Securities, in its weekly outlook report, said investors are expected to stay cautious especially with the disappointing local economic data released. It likewise advises investors to stay liquid.

“Some stocks, such as banks, have dipped to attractive levels but are better suited for long-term investments,” it said.

THE Gotianun-led Filinvest Land Inc. (FLI) said its net income for 2007 grew 95 percent to P1.7 billion from P872 million a year earlier as sales improved to nearly 50 percent.

Pepsi, property firms last week’s top gainers

PEPSI-COLA Products Philippines Inc., which had its market debut on February 1 on the first board of the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), closed the week ended April 4 at P3.25 after hitting P3.30, its highest since February 20, and dropping to a low of P3.15.

THE country’s oldest conglomerate Ayala Corp. is investing in new high-growth sectors and has identified the offshore and outsourcing (O&O) market as an area with potential for significant growth.

LED by an increase in revenues generated from its natural gas-fired power plants, Lopez-managed First Gen Corp. (First Gen) reported Friday that its net income increased by 14 percent to $104.7 million last year compared to the previous year.

 n LAST week: The PSE index fluctuated a lot last week as it registered both gains and losses. But at the end of Friday’s trading, the index managed a 27.02-point gain or .91-percent up week on week to close at 2,983.04.

THERE’S talk Sumitomo Corp. is looking at lakeside property in Taguig to put up an industrial park.