The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) closed higher on Tuesday, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index settling at 168,018.86 — up 1,454.80 points, or 0.87%. Buying was fuelled by optimism over US-Iran talks and softer international oil prices, which matter for Pakistan’s import bill and inflation outlook.
How the session unfolded
The index opened strongly and hit an intra-day high of 168,469.78 before mid-day profit-taking pulled it to a low of 167,308.65. Renewed buying into the close pushed the benchmark back above 168,000. Early in the session, demand had been broad across automobile assemblers, cement makers, commercial banks, oil and gas exploration companies, oil marketing companies (OMCs — firms that sell petrol and diesel) and power names.
Broker Topline Securities said FFC, ENGROH, PSEL, MEBL and EFERT together added about 701 points. All-share volume rose to 517.34 million shares from 443.43 million on Monday, with traded value at Rs20.70 billion. The rupee closed at 276.71 against the dollar in the inter-bank market, up one paisa.
How Monday’s session played out
On Monday the market finished only slightly higher. The KSE-100 Index gained 154.81 points, or 0.09%, to close at 166,564.07. Support from some large stocks was partly offset by selling in refinery shares after a government decision to absorb higher petrol import costs by cutting the Petroleum Levy — a federal tax built into pump prices.
The day was choppy. The index moved up at first, came under selling pressure in the morning, recovered around midday, then slipped again. Its intraday low was 165,585.42. Earlier on Monday morning, around 10:20am, it had been near 165,812.12, down about 597 points, with selling in autos, cement, banks, exploration stocks, OMCs and refineries.
Timeline: what has happened so far
- Previous week: The KSE-100 Index gained 4,034.37 points, or 2.5% week-on-week, to close at 166,409.25, ending a five-week losing streak amid improved risk appetite linked to progress in regional peace talks.
- Monday morning (about 10:20am): The index was near 165,812.12, down 597.13 points, or 0.36%, with heavyweights including MARI, OGDC, PPL, PSO and several banks in the red.
- Monday session: After swings both ways, the index touched an intraday low of 165,585.42 before finishing positive.
- Monday close: Settled at 166,564.07, up 154.81 points (0.09%), with refinery stocks under pressure after the Petroleum Levy cut.
- Tuesday 9:30am: The index was at 167,869.45, up 1,305.39 points, or 0.78%, on broad early buying.
What to watch next
Tuesday’s strength so far is an intraday snapshot. Whether banks, energy and cement keep the lead — and whether the index holds above Monday’s close — will depend on the rest of the session. Investors will also watch how refinery names trade after Monday’s levy-related selling.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Mangal ke market khulte hi KSE-100 Index 1,300 se zyada points upar chala gaya. Subah 9:30 tak index 167,869 ke qareeb tha. Banks, cement aur energy ke shares mein kharidari dikhai di. Yeh sirf shuruati harkat hai; din ke baqi hisse mein number badal sakte hain.
