KARACHI:
The Pakistan Stock Exchange witnessed a positive trading session, as the benchmark KSE-100 index advanced by 291.65 points to close at 158,236.68, up 0.18% from the previous close.
Market sentiment throughout the session was cautiously optimistic, as traders weighed domestic stability following the prime minister’s efforts to secure monetary concessions from the international lenders in the wake of recent flood-related challenges.
With this hope, the bourse maintained a steady upward trajectory throughout the day, supported by broad-based buying in key sectors that kept the investor sentiment stable.
During intra-day trading, the index recorded a high of 159,046.60 and a low of 158,133.31, reflecting a narrow but firm range. Overall market participation remained strong, signalling robust investor interest.
Strong activity was observed in index heavy sectors such as bank, fertiliser and energy. Similarly, the cement sector performed well, supported by strong demand and optimism around upcoming infrastructure projects.
The fertiliser sector also attracted buying, while oil and gas exploration companies gained as steady crude prices boosted investor confidence. OMCs saw increased activity, while power and refinery stocks rose as the Circular Debt Resolution signing fuelled momentum.
Arif Habib Limited (AHL) wrote in its report that the KSE-100 index posted minor gains in a largely flat session, reclaiming the 158k level. Some 46 shares rose while 53 fell with Pakistan Petroleum (+4.33%), Hub Power (+2.75%) and United Bank (+0.91%) contributing the most to index gains.
However, Fauji Fertiliser (-0.79%), Systems Limited (-1.32%) and Engro Fertilisers (-1.24%) were the biggest index drags, it added.
Meanwhile, the KSE-100 index’s profitability (based on 93% of the index weightage) increased by 1.8% year-on-years (YoY) in FY25, reaching Rs1.66 trillion. This increase of earnings was witnessed on the back of 205%, 119%, 43%, 41%, and 39% YoY in the investment banks, pharmaceuticals, miscellaneous, cement and auto assemblers, respectively.
Conversely, decline was recorded in textiles, chemicals, power, exploration & production and insurance with YoY decrease of 55%, 41%, 40%, 20% and 2%, respectively. AHL predicted upside target of 159.3k to remain valid above 157k.
Overall trading volume increased to 1.78 billion compared with Tuesday’s tally of 1.52 billion. The value of shares traded was Rs54.5 billion. K-Electric continued to lead the volume chart with trading of 659.3 million shares, rising by Rs0.81 to close at Rs7.12.
