Key Points
- KSE-100 closes at a new all-time high, gaining nearly 1pc
- Index touches an intraday peak above 172,200 before mild consolidation
- Investor sentiment supported by current account surplus and easing logistics disruption
- Global markets mixed amid tech-led volatility in Asia
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) extended its record-breaking run on Thursday as strong buying interest powered the benchmark KSE-100 Index to a fresh all-time closing high, reflecting broad-based participation and upbeat investor sentiment.
According to PSX data, the index maintained an upward trajectory throughout the session and surged sharply in the latter half of the day, touching an intraday high of 172,248.94 points. Some consolidation emerged near the close, but momentum remained firmly positive.
At the end of trading, the KSE-100 settled at 171,960.64 points, up by 1,646.79 points or 0.97% on a day-on-day basis, marking one of the strongest single-session gains in recent weeks.
Market participants attributed the rally to a combination of supportive domestic developments and renewed confidence in Pakistan’s macroeconomic direction. Data released by the State Bank of Pakistan showed the country posted a current account surplus of $100 million in November 2025, reinforcing expectations of external account stability.
Sentiment was also aided by the resolution of the wheel jam strike by cargo transporters operating between Karachi ports and industrial centres across the country. The decision followed government assurances to address operational concerns, including extending permissible road usage hours for certain heavy vehicles. Analysts said the move helped ease fears of supply chain disruption and inflationary pressure.
On the previous trading day, the PSX had experienced heightened volatility, with selective profit-taking emerging after the index touched a historic intraday peak. The benchmark had closed marginally lower at 170,313.86 points, down 133.44 points or 0.08%, reflecting cautious positioning ahead of fresh triggers.
Internationally, equity markets in Asia traded lower on Thursday as technology stocks came under pressure amid renewed concerns over the pace and sustainability of global artificial intelligence spending. MSCI’s broad Asia-Pacific index outside Japan slipped 0.5%, with notable declines in South Korea, Hong Kong and Japan.
US equity futures showed modest gains following a tech-led selloff on Wall Street, even as investors remained watchful ahead of upcoming central bank meetings expected to underline policy divergence across major economies.
Despite mixed global cues, analysts said domestic drivers and improving macro indicators kept local equities firmly in the lead, with investors continuing to rotate into index-heavy sectors.
