KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) ended Thursday's trading session on a marginally positive note, as selective buying in banking and energy stocks helped the benchmark KSE-100 index recover 276 points ahead of the federal budget announcement.
At the close of trading, the KSE-100 index posted a modest rise of 276.16 points, or 0.16%, settling at 169,703.60. According to Arif Habib Ltd (AHL), the market experienced a flat trading session, with the index closing slightly below the 170,000 threshold. This represented a minor daily increase of 276.2 points, though broader momentum remained negative, as the index was down 2.45% month-to-date and 2.50% in the calendar year to date.
Total market capitalisation for the KSE All-Share Index closed at Rs18,876.7 billion ($67.8 billion), supported by a regular traded volume of 771.9 million shares.
Key Drivers and Drags
Market gains were primarily driven by Meezan Bank (+1.01%), Mari Energies (+1.1%), and Engro Holdings (+0.69%). Conversely, the index was dragged down by losses in Fauji Fertiliser Company (-0.38%), Hubco (-0.46%), and Pakistan Petroleum (-0.62%).
Individual Stock Activity
In terms of individual stock activity, Maple Leaf Cement led in trade value at $11 million, while Sitara Petroleum Service dominated trade volumes with 53.7 million shares.
Topline's market review stated that the benchmark KSE-100 index concluded the trading session on a buoyant note, edging higher to close at 169,704, registering a gain of 276 points. This was described as a modest yet encouraging recovery amid an otherwise turbulent week dominated by geopolitical headwinds.
Contribution from Heavyweights
On the index contribution front, heavyweights such as Meezan Bank, Mari Energies, Engro Holdings, UBL, and Pakistan Oilfields emerged as the primary drivers of upside momentum, collectively contributing 315 points. This underscored sustained institutional interest in blue-chip names across the energy and banking sectors.
Market Participation and Volume
Market participation remained robust, with total traded volumes reaching 772 million shares and the total traded value hitting Rs27.05 billion. Shares of 487 companies were traded in the ready market. Of these, 190 stocks closed higher, 250 fell, and 47 remained unchanged.
First National Equities was the volume leader with trading in 118.36 million shares, gaining Rs0.04 to close at Rs1.35. It was followed by Sitara Petroleum with 53.70 million shares, gaining Rs1.97 to close at Rs21.66, and Maple Leaf Cement with 35.48 million shares, gaining Rs0.91 to close at Rs86.51.
Foreign investors sold shares worth Rs2 billion, as reported by the National Clearing Company.
