Key Points
- Benchmark index extends upward run, testing fresh highs
- Market shows resilience with strong sectoral participation
- Trading activity crosses 827 million shares across scrips
- Liquidity, earnings momentum sustain investor confidence
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s bourse extended its bullish momentum on Friday, with equities climbing to fresh peaks as investors rode on liquidity flows, strong earnings outlook, and resilient participation across sectors.
The benchmark KSE-100 Index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) closed at 168,990.07 points, gaining 500.45 points or 0.30%. The index oscillated between an intraday high of 169,988.61 and a low of 168,613.41, with overall trading volume totalling 827.57 million shares.
The broader All-Share Index also ended higher, reflecting broad market strength. The volume was better than the preceding session, but still below the recent average of above one billion shares changing hands.
Top traded names drove the rally
Participation remained strong, with over 400 scrips active. Buying was visible across financials, energy, and industrials, underpinned by ample liquidity.
“The market rally is being fueled by improving macroeconomic stability, strong corporate earnings momentum, and renewed investor confidence,” Waqas Ghani, Head of Research at JS Global, told Business Recorder.
Drivers and underlying sentiment
The rally built on Thursday’s surge, when the KSE-100 advanced 2,849.29 points or 1.72% to settle at 168,489.63 points. Analysts noted that institutional buying has remained consistent, while a stabilising external sector and corporate results continue to underpin sentiment.
Regional and global linkages
Regional equities lent further support, with MSCI’s Asia-Pacific index hovering near record highs and Japan’s Nikkei advancing 0.75%. Wall Street also closed at all-time highs, led by technology stocks. Analysts told Reuters that investor optimism was buoyed by prospects of US Federal Reserve rate cuts, which overshadowed jitters over the ongoing US government shutdown.
Outlook
With the KSE-100 testing the 170,000 level, market participants expect continued momentum but caution that resistance may emerge if global or domestic macro risks intensify. Liquidity and earnings flows, however, are expected to provide strong near-term support.
