On Thursday, the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) saw a modest increase in the KSE-100 Index, which gained 34.43 points, reflecting a nominal rise of 0.03%. The index closed at 117,806.75 points, up from 117,772.31 points on the previous trading day.
Key Market Details:
- Trading Volume: A total of 329,990,527 shares were traded during the day, compared to 356,729,109 shares on the previous day.
- Market Value: The total value of shares transacted amounted to Rs. 19.775 billion, significantly lower than Rs. 37.498 billion recorded the day before.
- Company Performance: Out of 447 companies that traded shares on the market:
- 169 companies recorded gains.
- 216 companies reported losses.
- 62 companies had unchanged share prices.
Major Contributors to Index Performance:
According to Topline Securities, the positive contributions to the index primarily came from:
- United Bank Limited (UBL)
- Hub Power Company Limited (HUBC)
- MCB Bank Limited (MCB)
- Meezan Bank Limited (MEBL)
- Lucky Cement (LUCK)
Collectively, these companies added +55 points to the index. Conversely, some companies that detracted from the index included:
- Systems Limited (SYS)
- Fauji Fertilizer Company (FFC)
- Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL)
- Mari Petroleum Company Limited (MARI)
- National Bank of Pakistan (NBP)
These companies collectively weighed down the index by -29 points.
Market Outlook:
The PSX will be closed on Friday in observance of Jumua-tul-Wida, and will reopen after the Eid holidays on Thursday, April 3, 2025.
Monthly Performance:
In March, the KSE-100 Index experienced a notable increase, rising by 4% month-on-month. This upward trend is attributed to several key factors:
- The successful staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
- Progress on a circular debt resolution plan, which has been positively received in the market.
- Speculation about government initiatives to reduce electricity prices, which has helped bolster investor confidence.
Overall, the PSX’s performance reflects market sentiments driven by governmental economic measures and international financial agreements, contributing to a cautiously optimistic outlook for investors.
