KEY POINTS
- KSE-100 Index gains 1,291 points to settle at 162,226.27
• Market rebounds from two consecutive bearish sessions
• Heavyweights FFC, PPL, OGDC, PSO and EFERT contribute over 1,380 points
• Trading value rises to Rs 45.18 billion despite lower volumes
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Stock Exchange staged a strong rebound on Wednesday as investors returned to buying after two sessions of sustained selling, lifting the benchmark KSE-100 Index by nearly 1,300 points and pushing it back above the 162,000 level.
The market moved positively from the opening bell, with sustained interest across index-heavy sectors driving the KSE-100 to an intra-day high of 162,741.73. It eventually closed at 162,226.27, recording a gain of 1,291.14 points or 0.80 per cent, according to PSX data.
Brokerage commentary indicated that key constituents — including Fauji Fertiliser Company, Pakistan Petroleum, Oil and Gas Development Company, Pakistan State Oil and Engro Fertilizers — collectively contributed roughly 1,383 points to the day’s advance.
This recovery followed a sharp downturn a day earlier when the index dropped 752.05 points to close at 160,935.13 amid broad selling pressure.
Global sentiment remained cautious, with Asian equities struggling to move decisively as investors awaited earnings from Nvidia, whose AI-linked rally has heavily influenced global markets. US tech stocks weakened overnight, with the Nasdaq slipping for a second day.
In the currency market, the rupee posted a marginal improvement in the inter-bank on Wednesday, settling at 280.66 against the US dollar.
Trading volume on the all-share index decreased to 1,029.93 million shares from 1,545.93 million in the previous session, though traded value rose to Rs 45.18 billion from Rs 38.85 billion.
WorldCall Telecom led the volumes with 160.12 million shares, followed by Bank Makramah and Beco Steel.
Out of 484 active stocks, 194 closed higher, 244 declined and 46 remained unchanged.
