KARACHI: Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) extended its bullish momentum on Wednesday, with the index closing higher, driven by continued investor optimism, strong recovery sentiment, and gains in index-heavy stocks, although mid-session volatility trimmed a portion of early gains.
The benchmark KSE-100 Index gaining 2,885.10 points or 1.74 percent to close at 168,519.94 points, as improved investor sentiment and strong participation pushed the market above its pre-war level of 168,062 recorded on February 27, 2026. KSE-100 Index exhibited notable intraday volatility, touching a high of 170,640.26 points and a low of 168,182.98 points during the session, while remaining in positive territory throughout the trading day.
The BRIndex100 closed at 19,004.26 points, gaining 331.52 points or 1.78 percent compared to the previous close, with total traded volume reaching 945.33 million shares. Similarly, the BRIndex30 ended at 67,352.39 points, up 1,363.17 points or 2.07 percent, with total volume recorded at 674.18 million shares.
Topline Securities noted that the day’s rally was primarily supported by gains in key index-heavy stocks, including UBL, FFC, HUBC, MEBL, and BOP, which collectively contributed 1,251 points to the benchmark index, underpinning the overall upward momentum.
Market activity showed a significant surge, with total ready market volume rising to 1.21 billion shares compared to 824.54 million shares in the previous session, while traded value increased substantially to Rs 59.42 billion from Rs 36.34 billion.
Market capitalization also witnessed a notable increase, rising to Rs 18.61 trillion from Rs 18.31 trillion, reflecting a gain of approximately Rs 304.50 billion during the session.
Market breadth remained strongly positive, with 370 companies advancing against 83 declining, while 37 remained unchanged out of a total of 490 companies traded in the ready market.
Among companies reflecting increase in rates, Sazgar Engineering Works Limited surged by Rs 135.70 to close at Rs 2,151.95, while Blessed Textiles Limited gained Rs 119.07 to settle at Rs 1,309.78. On the other hand, Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited declined by Rs 256.35 to close at Rs 26,228.65, while Rafhan Maize Products Company Limited fell by Rs 61.41 to settle at Rs 9,401.92
Trading activity was led by K-Electric Limited, which emerged as the volume leader with 124.92 million shares, closing at Rs 7.77. WorldCall Telecom followed with 76.86 million shares, closing at Rs 1.51, while Bank of Punjab recorded 76.13 million shares, closing at Rs 33.97.
The BR Automobile Assembler Index closed at 25,690.39 points, registering a gain of 822.45 points or 3.31 percent, with total turnover of 4.81 million shares. The BR Cement Index settled at 11,986.31 points, up 127.70 points or 1.08 percent, with trading volume of 65.48 million shares.
The BR Commercial Banks Index also posted strong gains, closing at 57,994.61 points, up 1,097.77 points or 1.93 percent, with total turnover of 120.00 million shares, reflecting renewed investor interest in banking stocks.
The BR Power Generation and Distribution Index emerged as one of the top performers, closing at 28,155.75 points, gaining 962.44 points or 3.54 percent, with total traded volume of 181.47 million shares.
The BR Oil and Gas Index closed at 14,495.98 points, recording an increase of 189.12 points or 1.32 percent, with total turnover of 75.50 million shares, as the sector continued to attract buying interest.
Meanwhile, the BR Technology and Communication Index ended the session at 3,723.73 points, up 40.77 points or 1.11 percent, with total trading volume of 144.60 million shares, indicating sustained activity in the technology sector.
Overall, the session reflected a continuation of the bullish trend at the PSX, supported by strong institutional participation, recovery in investor confidence, and gains in heavyweight stocks, despite intraday volatility.
Analysts say the market’s ability to sustain gains above pre-conflict levels signals strengthening sentiment, although intermittent profit-taking and external uncertainties may continue to influence near-term trading patterns.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026