KARACHI: Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) maintained its bullish trajectory on Thursday, with the benchmark index closing sharply higher as investor confidence strengthened on renewed optimism following merger and acquisition developments in the cement sector.
The KSE-100 Index advanced decisively, ending the session at 160,657.50 points after gaining 2,473.55 points or 1.56 percent compared to the previous day’s close of 158,183.95 points. During intraday trading, the index reached a high of 160,944.51 points and a low of 158,971.49 points.
On Thursday, BRIndex100 closed at 16,897.90 points, up by 266.49 points or 1.6 percent from the previous close, with a total volume of 598.25 million shares. Likewise, BRIndex30 finished at 53,552.95 points, gaining 1,219.69 points or 2.33 percent with a total volume of 425.61 million shares.
According to Topline Securities, the bulls marched strong as the benchmark index surged, supported by renewed investor enthusiasm following merger and acquisition news in the cement sector. The rally accelerated after Maple Leaf Cement (MLCF) announced its plan to acquire Pioneer Cement (PIOC), as per a notice to the exchange.
Topline Securities further noted that heavyweight stocks including FFC, LUCK, MLCF, DGKC, and MARI collectively contributed 1,309 points to the benchmark index. In contrast, HMB, AIRLINK, TRG, and INIL together shaved off 54 points from the gains.
Trading activity picked up further momentum as the ready market recorded a turnover of 797.17 million shares, compared to 757.24 million shares a day ago. The total traded value stood at Rs35.12 billion against Rs33.41 billion previously, while overall market capitalization increased to Rs18.29 trillion from Rs18.07 trillion adding around Rs219 billion.
Out of 477 companies traded in the ready market, 285 advanced, 142 declined, and 50 remained unchanged.
Bank Makramah dominated the volume chart with 112.16 million shares, closing at Rs 5.59. Dost Steels Limited followed with 48.74 million shares, closing at Rs 8.17, while F. Nat. Equities recorded 40.35 million shares, closing at Rs 19.63.
Among major price gainers, Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited rose by Rs546.00 to close at Rs28,999.00, while ZIL Limited gained Rs53.24 to close at Rs585.64. The top decliners included PIA Holding Company LimitedB, which dropped Rs80.91 to close at Rs24,452.05, and Gillette Pakistan Limited, which fell Rs50.04 to close at Rs450.39.
Sector-wise performance remained largely positive. The BR Automobile Assembler Index closed at 24,536.92 points, up 43.44 points or 0.18 percent with a turnover of 1.39 million shares. The BR Cement Index rose 749.82 points or 6.23 percent to settle at 12,794.31 points with a turnover of 102.35 million shares.
The BR Commercial Banks Index closed at 48,166.82 points, gaining 203.49 points or 0.42 percent with 161.89 million shares traded. The BR Power Generation and Distribution Index climbed 267.65 points or 1.09 percent to close at 24,790.64 points with a turnover of 53.80 million shares.
The BR Oil and Gas Index advanced 156.8 points or 1.18 percent to close at 13,443.37 points with 44.40 million shares traded. The BR Technology and Communication Index gained 23.13 points or 0.62 percent to close at 3,736.25 points with a turnover of 68.25 million shares.
Ali Najib, Deputy Head of Trading at Arif Habib Ltd, said that on the economic front, the latest T-Bill auction saw the government raise Rs492.9 billion against a target of Rs550 billion, with robust participation of Rs1.62 trillion and mixed movement in yields. He noted that globally, oil prices slipped over 4 percent after OPEC forecasted a slight supply surplus in 2026, marking a shift from its earlier deficit outlook, a positive development for a net oil-importing country like Pakistan.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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