Investor sentiment improves as easing Iran-US tensions and lower oil prices support PSX rally
The benchmark KSE-100 Index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange rose sharply on Wednesday, gaining 1,934.74 points or 1.19% as investor sentiment improved on easing global oil prices and reduced geopolitical tensions.
The KSE-100 Index closed at 164,831.42 points, compared with the previous close of 162,896.68 points.
During the trading session, the market touched an intraday high of 165,081.69 points and a low of 162,895.74 points.
Trading activity remained active, with total traded volume recorded at 172.5 million shares, while market turnover stood at Rs16.08 billion.
Analysts at Topline Securities Limited said the market staged a strong recovery as investor confidence strengthened amid signs of easing tensions between Iran and the United States, coupled with declining international oil prices.
They said lower oil prices improved expectations regarding inflation and macroeconomic stability, encouraging buying in key sectors.
Heavyweight stocks including Meezan Bank Limited (MEBL), Fauji Fertilizer Company (FFC), United Bank Limited (UBL), Engro Holdings (ENGROH), and Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) led the rally and collectively contributed 836 points to the benchmark index.
Overall market participation remained healthy, with total traded volume reaching 386 million shares and turnover increasing to approximately Rs20.1 billion.
Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) emerged as the volume leader with around 25 million shares traded during the session.
Market analysts said investors remained optimistic amid improving external sentiment and expectations of continued economic stabilization measures.
