MANILA, Philippines - Share prices across most of Asia advanced today after a jump in US payrolls boosted confidence in the global economic recovery.

The key Philippine Stock Exchange index re-tested the 3,200 psychological resistance level on buying in select blue chips.

It even shot up by 1.1% until bouts of profit taking pared some of its gains.

By the end of the session, the main gauge was up by 0.8% or 25 points to 3,186.77.

The broader all-share index, on the other hand, also rose by 0.37% or 7 points to 1,986.74.

Among the subindices, only the property and mining and oil sectors finished in the red. They lost 0.6% and 0.4% respectively.

Advancers edged out decliners, 52 to 47, while 60 stocks were left unchanged.

A total of 896 million shares were traded, valued at a hefty P4.01 billion.

About 30% of that amount was from a cross trade in Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC), making it the most actively traded stock by value.

JFC gained 0.8% to P59.50 per share.

Second most active was Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. It recovered from a six-session, 5% net loss as it gained 1.6% to P2,460.00 per share.

Meantime, Banco de Oro and Asiatrust Development Bank were also actively traded today.

BDO gained 3.6% to P43.00 per share while ASIA shot up by 33% to P6.60 per share.

Intraday, ASIA’s shares hit P7.40 apiece, and thus a price freeze was implemented on the stock.

Traders say buying interest in both BDO and ASIA stemmed from news that BDO is vying for a controlling stake in Asiatrust. Although in a disclosure to the PSE, BDO did clarify that as of yet, there is no definite agreement for a controlling stake in Asiatrust.

And finally, JG Summit was a top loser today. It gave up 6.3% to P9.60 apiece following news it will be postponing the initial public offering of its unit, Cebu Air.