RECORDER REPORT

KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) closed Friday’s session on a strong bullish note, with benchmark indices posting sharp gains amid broad-based buying, improved investor sentiment, and easing geopolitical concerns. The benchmark KSE-100 Index surged by 3,642.50 points, or 2.01 percent, to close at 185,098.83 points, compared with the previous close of 181,456.34 points. The index touched an intraday high of 185,208.98 points and a low of 182,559.69 points, reflecting sustained buying interest throughout the session.

The BRIndex100 closed at 19,978.24, up 462.49 points, or 2.37 percent, over the previous session, with a total trading volume of 768.79 million shares. The BRIndex30 rose 1,725.87 points, or 2.78 percent, to close at 63,707.53, as turnover reached 365.14 million shares.

Analysts noted that market momentum strengthened as geopolitical uncertainty receded following a statement by the US President indicating reduced chances of escalation in the Middle East, prompting investors to increase exposure across key sectors.

Commenting on the market’s performance, Ali Najib, Deputy Head of Trading at Arif Habib Limited, said the rally was driven by improved external sentiment and reduced geopolitical risk.

“The market closed on a strong bullish note as momentum strengthened following the easing of geopolitical uncertainty. The US President’s remarks suggesting a lower probability of escalation in the Middle East triggered across-the-board buying, while market participation remained healthy,” he said.

He added that heavyweight stocks played a decisive role in driving the index higher, with OGDC, PPL, HUBC, ENGROH, and FFC collectively contributing around 1,389 points to the KSE-100.

Market activity remained robust, with total ready-market turnover rising to 959.53 million shares, compared with 820.04 million shares in the previous session, while traded value surged to Rs69.46 billion from Rs45.98 billion. Market capitalization expanded by more than Rs437 billion, reaching Rs20.97 trillion, reflecting improved valuations across major stocks.

Volume leaders in the ready market were Arif Habib Corporation, which topped the chart with a turnover of 72.96 million shares, closing at Rs18.21, followed by K-Electric Limited, with 39.20 million shares traded and a closing price of Rs6.40. Pakistan International Bulk Terminal ranked third, recording a turnover of 36.20 million shares and ending the session at Rs20.93. Other actively traded stocks included Media Times Limited and Nishat Chunian Power, while energy, banking, and cement sector scrips continued to attract strong investor interest.

On the price movers’ front, PIA Holding Company Limited (B) recorded the highest gain, rising Rs408.01 to close at Rs20,948.00, while Rafhan Maize Products Company Limited added Rs223.48 to settle at Rs9,996.65. On the downside, Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited fell Rs340.83 to Rs28,159.17, while Nestlé Pakistan Limited declined Rs46.73 to Rs7,952.25, as selective profit-taking emerged in high-priced stocks.

Sectoral indices also closed firmly in the green, underscoring broad-based participation. The BR Automobile Assembler Index advanced 496.68 points, or 1.96 percent, to close at 25,806.63, with a turnover of 2.69 million shares. The BR Cement Index settled at 13,959.14, up 182.64 points, or 1.33 percent, on a volume of 44.82 million shares.

Banking stocks remained active, with the BR Commercial Banks Index climbing 822.02 points, or 1.43 percent, to close at 58,134.78, supported by a turnover of 78.04 million shares. The BR Power Generation and Distribution Index gained 662.31 points, or 2.33 percent, to end at 29,081.06, with 106.46 million shares traded.

Energy stocks outperformed the broader market, as the BR Oil and Gas Index surged 612.87 points, or 3.94 percent, to close at 16,167.77, with a turnover of 85.94 million shares. Meanwhile, the BR Technology and Communication Index rose 63.71 points, or 1.51 percent, to settle at 4,273.04, with 125.29 million shares changing hands.

Overall, the strong close across benchmark and sectoral indices, rising turnover, and expanding market capitalization underscored sustained investor confidence at the Pakistan Stock Exchange, as easing geopolitical concerns and strength in index-heavy stocks kept sentiment firmly positive.