RECORDER REPORT

KARACHI: Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) underwent a landmark trading session on Friday as strong buying across key sectors propelled the benchmark KSE-100 Index to a fresh all-time high, supported by exceptional participation in both the ready and futures markets.

The benchmark KSE-100 Index settled at a record 172,400.73 points, gaining 1,570.51 points, or 0.92 percent, from the previous close of 170,830.22 points. The index remained firmly positive throughout the session, touching an intraday high of 172,582.96 points, while the day’s low was recorded at 171,146.14 points, reflecting sustained investor confidence.

BR indices also reflected strong market participation. The BRIndex100 settled at 18,292.67 points, up 174.43 points, or 0.96 percent, from the previous close, with a total turnover of 605.42 million shares. The BRIndex30 climbed 784.62 points, or 1.34 percent, to close at 59,524.45 points, as trading volume reached 421.18 million shares.

According to Topline Market Review, the session remained decisively positive as the benchmark index climbed to close at a new all-time high near 172,400 points. Topline noted that buying in select heavyweight stocks provided significant support to the rally, with Engro Holdings (ENGROH), Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), Systems Limited (SYS), National Bank of Pakistan (NBP), and Maple Leaf Cement Factory (MLCF) collectively contributing 774 points to the KSE-100 Index.

The bullish trend significantly lifted market capitalization, with total market capitalization in the Regular Market increasing by more than Rs104 billion to approximately Rs19.46 trillion, underscoring the depth and strength of the rally.

Trading activity remained exceptionally robust. The Regular Market recorded a turnover of nearly 798 million shares, with a traded value of Rs38.06 billion. Yesterday the turnover was more than 811 million with the traded value was only Rs29.79 billion.

In the Ready Market, turnover was concentrated in a group of actively traded stocks. WorldCall Telecom led volumes with 79.32 million shares, closing at Rs1.66. It was followed by the Bank of Punjab, which traded 78.05 million shares and ended the day at Rs40.06. K-Electric Limited saw 33.06 million shares change hands, finishing the session at Rs5.74.

On the gainers’ board, Ismail Industries Limited led the Ready Market, rising Rs62.76 to close at Rs1,984.69, while Murree Brewery Company Limited advanced Rs35.02 to finish at Rs1,080.17. Despite the overall bullish tone, selective profit-taking was observed in high-priced stocks. PIA Holding Company Limited (B) recorded the steepest decline, shedding Rs1,483.45 to close at Rs17,666.14, while Rafhan Maize Products Company Limited fell Rs653.22 to end at Rs10,259.54.

The BR Automobile Assembler Index closed at 23,907.44 points, down 131.37 points, or 0.55 percent, on a total turnover of 3.62 million shares. The BR Cement Index gained 112.56 points, or 0.80 percent, to settle at 14,150.31 points, with 47.60 million shares traded. The BR Commercial Banks Index advanced 465.74 points, or 0.91 percent, to close at 51,882.05 points, on a turnover of 112.43 million shares.

In the energy sector, the BR Power Generation and Distribution Index rose 152.27 points, or 0.56 percent, to finish at 27,346.31 points, with a turnover of 71.37 million shares, while the BR Oil and Gas Index increased 153.68 points, or 1.07 percent, to 14,538.87 points, on 52.38 million shares traded. The technology and communications segment also performed well, with the BR Technology & Communication Index closing at 4,162.75 points, up 44.38 points, or 1.08 percent, on a turnover of 155.09 million shares.

Market participants said the record-breaking close reflected strong investor confidence and sustained liquidity across sectors. Analysts noted that elevated volumes — particularly in the futures market — signal continued momentum, though bouts of volatility may emerge as investors engage in profit-taking at elevated levels.