Key Points
- KSE-100 Index adds 292 points to settle at 158,236.67
- Market capitalisation edges higher as turnover improves
- Analysts highlight rollover week, selective profit-taking
- Global, currency cues shape cautious outlook
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) ended Wednesday’s session with a modest advance, as investors balanced fresh buying in energy and banking shares against profit-taking in fertiliser and technology sectors.
Market participation stayed cautious, reflecting the rollover week and macroeconomic concerns that kept trading largely range-bound.
According to official data released by the PSX, the benchmark KSE-100 Index gained 291.65 points, or 0.18 per cent, to close at 158,236.67, after moving between an intraday high of 159,046.60 and a low of 158,133.30.
The broader All-Share Index rose 323.40 points to 97,563.39, while the KSE-30 Index settled at 48,235.21 after adding 83.05 points. The daily market summary showed that 1.78 billion shares were traded at a value of Rs 54.52 billion, compared with 1.52 billion shares worth Rs 58.72 billion in the previous session.
Activity leaders
Active scrips included Pakistan Petroleum Ltd., Hub Power Company, and United Bank Ltd., which contributed to the day’s gains. In contrast, Fauji Fertiliser Company, Engro Fertilisers, and Systems Ltd. came under pressure.
Cautious optimism
Analysts told Business Recorder that rollover-related adjustments and selective profit-taking capped the index’s upward potential, while sentiment remained linked to macroeconomic indicators and external funding prospects. Market strategists quoted by The Express Tribune said investors are closely watching exchange rate trends and commodity prices, with the upcoming International Monetary Fund (IMF) review likely to guide direction.
Among sectors, energy and banking names drew interest, especially amid a positive outlook on demand and improving margins. At the same time, some selling was visible in cyclical and tech stocks as traders locked in near-term gains.
Global trends
Global equities slipped as investor focus turned to U.S. central bank signals. Markets were rattled after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell refrained from confirming aggressive rate cuts, prompting the dollar to strengthen and global yields to rise. According to Reuters, the defence and industrial sectors led gains in Europe, but overall sentiment remained cautious due to concerns over growth rate and inflation uncertainty.
Local currency
In intra-day trading on Wednesday, the Pakistani rupee’s 33-session rally came to a halt, slipping marginally to Rs 281.43 in the interbank market, down Re0.01 from the prior close of Rs 281.42, the Business Recorder reported. Open market dealers, meanwhile, quoted the dollar at Rs 281.92 (buying) and Rs 282.45 (selling).
Outlook: With global interest rate jitters and rollover pressures in play, the PSX is likely to trade sideways in the near term — direction will heavily depend on currency flows, macro announcements, and central bank cues.
