The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) closed sharply higher on Monday as the benchmark KSE-100 Index posted a gain of more than 3,800 points in one of the strongest trading sessions in recent weeks.
Official market figures showed that the KSE-100 Index settled at 171,725.29 points after adding 3,881.05 points during the day. The benchmark index also rose by 2.31 percent compared to the previous close.
The market opened at 170,747.29 points and remained in positive territory for most of the session. During intraday trading, the benchmark reached a high of 171,920.81 points while the lowest level recorded was 170,161.66 points.
Market activity remained healthy with constituent volume recorded at 261.56 million shares, showing strong investor participation across major sectors.
Analysts said the bullish trend was mainly supported by buying in banking, fertilizer, cement, and industrial stocks. Investors showed strong interest in blue-chip companies as optimism returned to the market.
FFC emerged as the leading contributor to the index rally with 291.06 points. UBL added 289.24 points while HBL contributed 255.57 points. ENGRO and LUCK also supported the market by adding 253.93 points and 224.93 points respectively.
Meanwhile, a few stocks limited the market’s gains. COLG remained the biggest dragger with a negative contribution of 13.72 points. SHFA, THALL, PSEL, and YOUW also closed in negative territory but failed to offset the broader market rally.
Financial experts said investors reacted positively to signs of improving economic conditions and expectations of stable corporate earnings. Confidence in Pakistan’s banking and fertilizer sectors also played a key role in driving the market upward.
The KSE-100’s fiscal year-to-date return improved to 36.69 percent, reflecting strong performance over the current fiscal year. However, the calendar year-to-date return remained negative at -1.34 percent, suggesting that the market still faces challenges from earlier economic uncertainty.
The Pakistan Stock Exchange has remained volatile over the past several months due to inflation concerns, exchange rate pressures, and global market uncertainty. However, recent sessions indicate that investor sentiment may be gradually improving.
Market participants are now focusing on upcoming economic data, inflation trends, and policy decisions that may influence the direction of trading in the coming days.
Analysts believe that continued economic stability and stronger investor confidence could help maintain positive momentum at the PSX.
