The KSE-100 index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) extended its positive momentum, gaining approximately 471 points to close at 184,520.96 on Thursday. The market opened strongly, reaching an intra-day high of 185,890.53 before profit-taking trimmed gains in the second half, with the index dipping to an intra-day low of 184,214.80.
Key Contributors to the Index Rise
According to Arif Habib Limited (AHL), UBL (+1.54%), Engro (+1.07%), Lucky Cement (+1.07%), and OGDC (+1.21%) were the major contributors to the index gains. Topline Securities noted that heavyweight stocks UBL, Lucky Cement, OGDC, Pakistan Petroleum, and TRG collectively added 469 points to the benchmark index.
Trading Activity and Market Statistics
Regular market turnover stood at 994.8 million shares, with a traded value of Rs55.8 billion. Market capitalisation was recorded at Rs20.63 trillion. Among top volume stocks, Mari, Maple Leaf, BOP, OGDC, and Lucky Cement led the activity. Total traded volumes were 994.75 million shares, compared to 941.48 million in the previous session. Shares of 494 companies were traded, with 256 closing higher, 217 lower, and 21 unchanged.
Volume Leaders and Foreign Investment
TPL Properties was the volume leader, with 84.69 million shares traded, gaining Rs0.51 to close at Rs11.23. The Bank of Punjab followed with 59.31 million shares, gaining Rs0.46 to close at Rs36.77, and Cnergyico Pk traded 40.05 million shares, gaining Rs0.18 to close at Rs8.39. Foreign investors sold shares worth Rs268 million, as reported by the National Clearing Company.
Market Outlook
Arif Habib Limited stated, "Wednesday's strong displacement candle, followed by Thursday's consolidation, creates a new support zone of 180.5k-184k from where demand is expected to emerge and attack the all-time highs of January 2026." Mubashir Anis Naviwala of JS Global wrote, "Market participants now await fresh economic and corporate triggers for the next directional move."
