Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) Achieves Record High Amid Investor Optimism
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) has reached an all-time high, surpassing the 118,000-point mark during intra-day trading. The benchmark KSE-100 Index soared to a peak of 118,367.81 before settling near the current level, with a slight dip that landed it at 117,911.83. The day’s low was recorded at 117,065.97.
Trading activity was robust, with a total volume of 142.83 million shares exchanged, valued at Rs11.31 billion. This surge comes on the heels of the market’s recent resilience, buoyed by solid corporate earnings and positive economic developments.
### PSX Starts New Year with a Bang
The new year kicked off on a strong note for the PSX, with a surge that saw the KSE-100 index rise by nearly 1,900 points. This bullish trend was driven by extensive buying, reflecting the increasing confidence of both local and institutional investors in Pakistan’s economy. The market’s positive performance was further bolstered by monetary policy easing, political stability, and expectations of key rate reductions by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
### Analysts Weigh In on Market Performance
According to Arif Habib Corp MD Ahsan Mehanti, the rally was fueled by an earnings season surge as investors anticipated a reduction in the SBP’s policy rate. Factors such as low inflation, robust economic indicators, and rupee stability underpinned the market’s positive sentiment. Leading brokerage firms like Topline Securities and Arif Habib Limited also noted the market’s upward trajectory, with significant contributions from key sectors like Fauji Fertiliser, Lucky Cement, and Hub Power.
### Expert Insights and Future Outlook
JS Global analyst Muhammad Hasan Ather highlighted the positive macro indicators that drove the KSE-100 index to new heights, citing low inflation expectations as a key factor. With monetary easing and political stability in the mix, the overall outlook for the stock market remains upbeat, signaling continued investor confidence and potential growth in the months ahead.
As the trading day came to a close, foreign investors sold shares worth Rs333.1 million, according to the National Clearing Company of Pakistan. The market saw shares of 462 companies being traded, with a mix of gainers, losers, and unchanged stocks reflecting the dynamic nature of the PSX.
The PSX’s record-breaking performance underscores the confidence investors have in Pakistan’s economy and the market’s resilience in the face of changing economic landscapes. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the PSX and sets a positive tone for the future of Pakistan’s capital markets.
