KARACHI: Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) closed Monday’s session firmly higher as improving geopolitical sentiment, supportive macroeconomic signals and broad-based buying in index heavyweights helped the benchmark reclaim key psychological levels.
The benchmark KSE-100 Index staged a strong recovery, advancing by 883 points, or 0.48 percent, to close at 185,057.83 points, compared with the previous close of 184,174.49 points. The benchmark traded in positive territory for most of the session, reflecting sustained buying interest that enabled it to decisively regain the 185,000-point mark after recent volatility.
On Monday, by the close, the BRIndex100 surged 1,398.98 points, or 7.07 percent, compared to the previous session.
Total trading volume on the index stood at 586.82 million shares. Similarly, the BRIndex30 closed at 80,269.68 points, with a massive gain of 17,572.43 points, or 28.03 percent, over the previous close. Total turnover on the index amounted to 413.04 million shares.
According to Ali Najib, Deputy Head of Trading at Arif Habib Limited, the PSX ended the session on a positive note as investor sentiment improved following constructive geopolitical developments.
He said official statements from both the United States and Iran signaling a willingness to pursue dialogue and avoid further escalation helped ease regional risk concerns, providing a supportive backdrop for local equities.
Ali Najib noted that macroeconomic indicators were also closely monitored during the session.
On the index contribution front, Ali Najib said buying interest remained concentrated in heavyweight stocks, with United Bank Limited (UBL), Engro Holdings (ENGROH), Systems Limited (SYS), Fatima Fertilizer (FATIMA), Sazgar Engineering Works (SAZEW), Oil and Gas Development Company (OGDC), Hub Power Company (HUBC), National Bank of Pakistan (NBP), and MCB Bank collectively adding 1,137 points to the benchmark index, forming the backbone of the day’s advance.
Market activity remained moderate but supportive. Total market volume stood at approximately 740 million shares, while turnover amounted to Rs42.2 billion, indicating steady participation amid cautious positioning.
Market breadth remained mixed, highlighting the selective nature of the recovery. In the Ready Market, 214 stocks advanced, 222 declined, while 51 remained unchanged, out of 487 traded companies.
Trading activity remained concentrated in a handful of low- and mid-priced stocks. First National Equities Limited dominated the volume chart, with 191.18 million shares traded, closed at Rs1.65. Hascol Petroleum Limited followed with 51.51 million shares, closed at Rs25.92. K-Electric Limited recorded a turnover of 38.31 million shares, ending marginally higher at Rs7.11.
On the gainers’ board, Sazgar Engineering Works Limited emerged as the top performer, surging by Rs196.45 to close at Rs2,342.93, followed by Blessed Textiles Limited, which gained Rs55.77 to settle at Rs613.43.
On the losing side, Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited recorded the steepest decline, shedding Rs689.36 to close at Rs27,029.64, while PIA Holding Company Limited (B) fell by Rs228.83 to Rs19,799.00, reflecting selective profit-taking in high-priced stocks.
Overall, Monday’s session underscored a cautiously optimistic recovery at the Pakistan Stock Exchange. Analysts say, with the KSE-100 reclaiming the 185,000-point level, market participants are expected to remain focused on geopolitical developments, macroeconomic signals and corporate fundamentals to gauge the sustainability of the ongoing recovery.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026