PSX extends rally as KSE-100 gains more than 1,400 points in midday trade

KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) remained firmly in positive territory during Friday’s midday session, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index rising by more than 1,443 points, or 0.87%, to around 166,961.

During intraday trading, the index climbed as high as 168,290 before easing from that level while still holding on to strong gains. The advance followed record gains in the previous session and reflected sustained buying interest in major sectors amid easing geopolitical tensions and expectations of regional stability.

By midday, total market volume had reached about 181.6 million shares, while the value of traded shares stood at Rs17.76 billion. Out of 565 active scrips, 367 posted gains, 98 declined and 100 remained unchanged, pointing to broad-based investor optimism during the session.

Trading activity was notable in sectors including textiles, fertilisers, oil and gas, and banking, where several stocks recorded healthy advances. The market’s upward movement came after Wednesday’s historic surge of more than 14,000 points, which analysts linked to global peace developments and improving macroeconomic indicators.

Local investors and institutional buying continued to underpin the rally, although some profit-taking was also visible as the market moved to higher levels. Even so, the overall tone remained positive through midday trade.

Investor sentiment stays upbeat

The latest gains suggest that sentiment at the PSX has remained supportive after the sharp rise seen earlier in the week. Market participants were described as cautiously optimistic, with attention turning to upcoming corporate earnings and external developments that could shape the market’s next direction.

While the index stayed in the green, volatility could continue in the latter half of the session as traders seek to lock in profits near resistance levels. Even with that possibility, the midday snapshot showed a market still benefiting from strong momentum and widespread participation across listed companies.

The session also followed a period in which investors had responded positively to signs of reduced regional tensions. That backdrop, together with improved macroeconomic cues cited by analysts, helped maintain the bullish trend at the exchange.

Overall, Friday’s midday performance indicated that the PSX had carried forward its recent momentum, with the KSE-100 Index remaining comfortably higher and investor interest visible across a wide range of sectors and stocks.