The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) surged to an all-time high as the benchmark KSE-100 index closed at 188,621.78 points, gaining 860 points or 0.46%. This rise reflects improved investor sentiment, easing geopolitical concerns, and expectations of a potential policy rate cut.
The market witnessed active trading throughout Tuesday, with the index fluctuating between 187,192.02 and 188,958.38 points. Despite some profit-taking, buying from local mutual funds and institutional investors supported the market’s upward trend. ETFs remained the most actively traded instruments, while select blue-chip stocks drew renewed interest.
Heavyweight stocks like Engro Holdings, Pakistan Petroleum, Sazgar Engineering, Oil and Gas Development Company, and Pakistan State Oil collectively added 661 points to the index. Hascol Petroleum led in trading volume, with 113 million shares exchanged, closing at Rs27.47. Overall trading volume increased to 1.225 billion shares, valued at Rs63.8 billion.
KTrade Securities noted that market participation improved significantly, with all-share traded volumes rising 2.3% DoD. Investors’ optimism was fueled by recent corporate developments in the E&P sector and new launches in the automobile industry. Analysts, however, cautioned that the market remains sensitive to external geopolitical developments, which could trigger near-term volatility.
“The PSX extended its bullish momentum, reflecting strong institutional participation and local mutual fund support,” said KTrade Securities in its market wrap.
The positive momentum indicates renewed confidence in Pakistan’s equity market, highlighting both domestic investor interest and improving macroeconomic conditions.