KSE-100 index climbs 931 points in volatile session, supported by strong buying momentum and investor optimism
Buying momentum continued at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Wednesday, as the benchmark KSE-100 index managed to extend its recent run of gains, experiencing a day marked by volatility yet ultimately ending firmly in positive terrain.
Banking and heavy-weight financial stocks set the early tone, as institutional buying in key names helped the market overcome initial hesitation. Market participants pointed to improved risk appetite after several sessions of strong investor interest, with banking, fertiliser and select blue-chip sectors contributing significantly to the positive breadth.
Trading remained volatile as investors digested mixed macro signals and global cues. Despite this, bulls stayed in control, lifting the index above 187,000. Banks led, while fertiliser, energy and industrial stocks supported gains, offsetting weakness in oil, gas and materials. At close, the index advanced by 931.34 points, or 0.50%, to finish at 187,832.08, after toying with an intra-day high of 188,312.21 and dipping to 187,018.69 earlier in the session.
Read More: PSX gains ground on easing geopolitical risks
KTrade Securities wrote in its market wrap that PSX closed on a positive note as momentum returned to the market. Trading activity improved noticeably, with 767 million shares exchanged in the KSE-100, indicating better market participation compared to recent sessions.
The uptick in volumes highlighted renewed interest from both retail and institutional investors, signalling a gradual revival in confidence. The session was largely driven by sideboard activity, where volumes were concentrated in select names. Market mood was supported by easing geopolitical concerns, particularly signs of a cool-down between Iran and US, with regional players actively working to prevent further escalation.
This reduction in external uncertainty played a key role in restoring risk appetite. Activity remained broad-based, with buying interest observed across Meezan Bank, Engro Holdings, National Bank, United Bank, Habib Metro Bank, K-Electric, Bank Al Falah, and Bank Al Habib, suggesting participation beyond a narrow set of stocks. Banks led the rally which added further depth to the move.
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Going forward, “we expect this positive momentum to sustain, provided the geopolitical environment remains stable and continues to support investor confidence,” KTrade added.
Overall trading volume jumped to 1.195 billion shares compared with Tuesday’s total of 848.5m. Shares of 483 companies were traded. Of these, 246 gained, 188 dropped and 49 remained unchanged.
K-Electric topped the volume chart with trading in 590.9m shares, gaining Rs0.96 to close at Rs8.31.
