KARACHI:
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) wrapped up the week on a volatile note as the benchmark KSE-100 Index briefly breached the 140,000 level before succumbing to profit-taking pressure. After swinging between gains and losses, the index ultimately settled at 138,597 — down just 68 points, or 0.05%.
The day’s highlight was the announcement of a $2.1 billion current account surplus for FY25 — Pakistan’s first annual surplus in over two decades. The surplus was credited to disciplined external account management, import compression, improved exports, and rising remittances, providing a much-needed boost to investor sentiment, according to Arif Habib Ltd Deputy Head of Trading, Ali Najib.
On the corporate front, strong performances by Fauji Fertilizer Company, UBL, Engro Holdings, Pakistan Services, and Pakistan Aluminium Beverage Cans helped offset losses from Systems Ltd, Meezan Bank, Hubco, NBP, and Mari Petroleum, which saw profit-booking after recent rallies. Those stocks had a net positive contribution of 662 points.
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Market activity remained muted, with total volumes of 608 million shares and a traded value of Rs31.6 billion. Pakistan International Bulk Terminal led the volumes chart, with 53.1 million shares traded.
The KSE-100 posted a fourth straight weekly gain, rising by 3.2%, or 4,298 points. The index opened at 134,937, touched a high of 140,585, and closed the week at 138,597.
Analysts expect 135,000 to serve as a near-term support zone, backed by encouraging corporate earnings and sustained foreign inflows. However, any breach below this level could trigger a correction toward 132,000, where attractive valuations and potential monetary easing may revive buying interest.
