Key Points
- KSE-100 rises 2,848.76 points or 1.68 per cent at 172,760.71 by 12:00 PM
- Intraday high recorded at 173,444.89 with low at 170,758.25
- Volume stands at 361.7 million shares, reflecting active participation
- Banking, energy and fertiliser stocks lead index gains
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Stock Exchange extended its upward momentum on Friday, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index rising 2,848.76 points or 1.68 per cent to 172,760.71 by midday, reflecting sustained buying interest over positive macro indicators and high hopes for an Iran-US peace deal over the weekend in Islamabad.
According to market data, the index moved within a wide intraday range of 170,758.25 to 173,444.89, indicating strong volatility alongside active accumulation in heavyweight stocks.
Healthy volume
Trading volume reached 361,726,957 shares, signalling continued participation from institutional and retail investors as market momentum broadened.
Concentrated market activity
Market activity remained concentrated in banking, energy and fertiliser sectors, which together accounted for a significant portion of index-level gains. Dealers said liquidity-driven buying has continued to support large-cap stocks, particularly in the banking space.
The session follows a positive trend in recent trading days, with the KSE-100 maintaining a recovery trajectory supported by improved macroeconomic visibility and expectations of stable external financing conditions.
Sentiment Influencers
Sentiment was also influenced by easing global risk perceptions, with investors tracking developments around anticipated Iran–US diplomatic engagement expected over the weekend. Market participants said the prospect of progress in talks has helped reduce risk premiums in emerging markets, including Pakistan, and supported expectations of softer global oil prices.
Traders added that Pakistan’s recent diplomatic engagement in facilitating regional dialogue has contributed to improved investor perception of regional stability, adding a geopolitical layer to already strengthening market sentiment.
Despite the bullish tone, analysts cautioned that near-term direction will remain sensitive to global crude oil movements, currency stability, and developments in geopolitical negotiations.
Strong recovery
The KSE-100 has shown a strong recovery over the past year, with a 47.78 per cent rise on a one-year basis despite a marginal year-to-date decline of 0.74 per cent, reflecting earlier volatility followed by renewed buying interest.
