Karachi, January 23, 2025 – The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) experienced a robust recovery on Thursday as the benchmark KSE-100 index surged by 594 points, signaling a resurgence in market confidence. The index concluded the session at 114,037 points, marking a strong rebound from the previous day’s close of 113,443 points.
This recovery followed a sharp decline on Wednesday when the KSE-100 index tumbled nearly 1,600 points, closing at 113,443.43 amid intense late-session selling. On Thursday, however, investors showed renewed optimism, with a last-hour rally reversing the prior session’s losses.
According to analysts at Arif Habib Limited, Thursday’s trading was volatile, with the KSE-100 index oscillating between gains and losses before staging a sharp upward movement toward the session’s end. Market data revealed that 57 stocks advanced, 39 declined, and the rest remained unchanged. The day’s top performers included Pakistan State Oil (PSO), up by 3.24%; Fauji Cement Company Limited (FCCL), which rose by 5.37%; and The Searle Company Limited (SEARL), climbing by 4.2%.
On the flip side, United Bank Limited (UBL) fell by 1.07%, while Fauji Fertilizer Company (FFC) and Meezan Bank Limited (MEBL) edged lower by 0.21% and 0.32%, respectively. Nevertheless, strong performances from the cement and pharmaceutical sectors drove the overall market upwards. Maple Leaf Cement Factory Limited (MLCF) surged 4.87%, Cherat Packaging Limited (CPHL) soared 9.04%, and AGP Limited gained 3.98%, further contributing to the KSE-100 index’s positive trajectory.
Attention now turns to the upcoming State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting on Monday, where a 100-basis-point policy rate cut is widely expected. If implemented, this adjustment could reduce the rate to 12%, a level not observed since March 2022, potentially fueling further market gains.
Heading into the week’s final trading session, the KSE-100 index remains down 1.07% week-over-week. A Friday close near the 115,000-point level could set a strong foundation for a continued rally next week, bolstering investor optimism.
