The benchmark index added 120 points as trading activity strengthened and market capitalisation rose to Rs18.747 trillion.

The benchmark KSE-100 Index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) extended its positive momentum on Wednesday, gaining 120.30 points, or 0.07%, to close at 168,580.41 points, compared with 168,460.11 points in the previous trading session.

Trading activity in the ready market strengthened significantly, with 586.861 million shares changing hands against 432.015 million shares recorded a day earlier. The total traded value also increased to Rs22.365 billion, compared with Rs20.139 billion in the previous session.

Market capitalisation rose to Rs18.747 trillion from Rs18.712 trillion, reflecting the continued positive trend at the Pakistan bourse.

Of the 501 companies that traded in the ready market, 272 closed higher, while 184 declined and 45 remained unchanged.

K-Electric Ltd. led the volume chart with 82.659 million shares, followed by Cnergyico PK, which recorded 68.756 million shares. Pak Refinery ranked third with trading volume of 44.141 million shares.

Among the top gainers, Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited surged by Rs440.02 to close at Rs25,680.00. Hoechst Pakistan Limited also advanced by Rs55.75, settling at Rs3,979.04.

On the losing side, Nestle Pakistan Limited declined by Rs30.66 to close at Rs6,995.19, while S.S.Oil Mills Limited fell by Rs28.92 to finish at Rs401.66.

Trading activity was also higher in the futures (DFC) market. Turnover reached 174.910 million shares, with a traded value of Rs8.472 billion, compared with 125.121 million shares worth Rs7.168 billion in the previous session.

Of the 296 companies traded in the DFC market, 176 advanced, 115 declined and five remained unchanged.

The session marked another positive close for the benchmark index, extending the recovery seen in the previous trading session, while the sharp increase in trading volumes indicated stronger market participation.