RECORDER REPORT

KARACHI: Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) staged a strong rebound on Tuesday as easing geopolitical concerns surrounding the United States-Iran negotiations and a slight retreat in international oil prices restored investor confidence, helping the market recover a portion of recent losses.

The benchmark KSE-100 Index opened in positive territory and maintained upward momentum throughout the session before settling firmly in the green. The index gained 1,091.66 points, or 0.67 percent, to close at 162,896.68 points, compared to the previous close of 161,805.02 points. During the trading session, the benchmark touched an intraday high of 164,309.65 points and a low of 162,563.58 points, reflecting sustained buying interest despite intermittent volatility.

BRIndex100 closed at 17,816.74 points, gaining 123.83 points, or 0.70 percent, compared to the previous close, while total traded volume stood at 277.52 million shares. Likewise, the BRIndex30 settled at 64,573.29 points, up 640.76 points, or 1.0 percent, with total turnover of 148.93 million shares.

According to Topline Securities, the local bourse witnessed a robust pullback session as investor sentiment turned positive on encouraging diplomatic progress between Washington and Tehran, easing concerns over regional tensions. The brokerage house said declining global oil prices further supported sentiment by reducing inflationary fears and strengthening expectations of macroeconomic stability.

Topline Securities said heavyweights including UBL, BAHL, FFC, OGDC and PPL remained in focus and collectively contributed 751 points to the benchmark index’s gains, helping the market sustain its upward momentum throughout the day.

The total turnover in the ready market stood at 391.94 million shares, lower than 499.80 million shares traded in the previous session. However, traded value in the regular market rose to Rs22.98 billion, compared to Rs19.44 billion a day earlier. Market capitalization increased to Rs18.08 trillion, compared to Rs17.99 trillion in the previous session, reflecting a gain of nearly Rs91.12 billion.

Market breadth turned positive, signaling renewed investor confidence. Out of 480 companies traded in the ready market, 262 advanced, 171 declined, while 47 remained unchanged.

Among volume leaders in the ready market, Cnergyico PK Limited topped the chart with 23.95 million shares, closing at Rs8.38. Engro Holdings followed with 22.94 million shares, settling at Rs252.90, while Bank of Punjab traded 19.06 million shares and closed at Rs32.93.

On the gainers’ list, Khairpur Sugar Mills Limited emerged as the top gainer, adding Rs158.45 to close at Rs1,742.91, followed by Nestle Pakistan Limited, which gained Rs76.83 to settle at Rs7,600.00. On the losing side, PIA Holding Company Limited B shed Rs885.50 to close at Rs17,673.50, while Indus Motor Company Limited declined by Rs30.30 to settle at Rs1,963.25.

Among sectoral BR indices, the BR Automobile Assembler Index closed at 26,517.25 points, registering an increase of 98.54 points, or 0.37 percent, with total turnover reaching 9.90 million shares. The BR Cement Index edged up 11.49 points, or 0.10 percent, to settle at 10,964.38 points, with turnover of 11.91 million shares.

The BR Commercial Banks Index posted a gain of 537.26 points, or 1.0 percent, to close at 54,499.53 points, supported by improved buying in banking stocks, while turnover stood at 32.19 million shares. The BR Power Generation and Distribution Index increased by 237.87 points, or 0.89 percent, to settle at 26,864.85 points, with trading volume of 30.49 million shares.

The BR Oil and Gas Index gained 159.17 points, or 1.11 percent, to close at 14,515.28 points, supported by renewed buying interest in exploration and energy-related stocks, while turnover reached 38.19 million shares. Meanwhile, the BR Technology and Communication Index settled at 3,640.09 points, up 25.04 points, or 0.69 percent, with traded volume of 31.54 million shares.

Analysts said the market rebound was primarily driven by easing geopolitical concerns and softer oil prices, though investors are expected to remain cautious as developments in US-Iran negotiations continue to shape sentiment.

Any further diplomatic progress could strengthen confidence and support additional recovery, while renewed geopolitical tensions may again trigger volatility across equities.