Investor confidence strengthens on easing regional tensions and supportive economic measures
Buying momentum continued at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Monday, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index gaining more than 400 points during the opening session as investors maintained a positive outlook.
By 9:50am, the KSE-100 Index stood at 180,006.95, rising 435.69 points, or 0.24%, from the previous close. Investors actively bought shares across several major sectors, reflecting sustained market optimism.
Market participants focused on cement, commercial banks, oil and gas exploration companies, oil marketing companies (OMCs), power generation firms, and refineries. Index-heavy stocks, including HUBCO, Attock Refinery Limited (ARL), Mari Energies (MARI), Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), Pakistan Oilfields Limited (POL), Habib Bank Limited (HBL), National Bank of Pakistan (NBP), and United Bank Limited (UBL), traded in positive territory.
Positive sentiment supports market gains
Meanwhile, the PSX maintained the bullish trend witnessed during the previous shortened three-day trading week. Analysts attributed the continued strength to easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, investor-friendly amendments to the FY27 Finance Bill, and lower domestic fuel prices, all of which improved investor sentiment.
During the previous week, the benchmark KSE-100 Index gained 648.50 points, or 0.36%, closing at 179,571.27 points.
Global markets remain cautious
Elsewhere, Asian markets traded mixed as investors monitored developments following renewed diplomatic efforts between Iran and the United States aimed at reducing regional tensions. Although concerns over the peace process persisted, markets responded cautiously to the latest developments.
South Korea’s KOSPI declined nearly 2%, while Japan’s Nikkei slipped 1%, leaving the MSCI Asia-Pacific Index down 0.4%. However, futures linked to the S&P 500 and Nasdaq advanced 0.4%, while European futures gained 0.2%.
Oil prices also edged higher amid uncertainty over the durability of the diplomatic agreement. Brent crude rose 0.85% to $72.60 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude increased more than 1% to $70.01 per barrel.
Meta Description: Pakistan Stock Exchange extends gains as KSE-100 Index rises over 400 points, supported by investor confidence and positive market sentiment.
