Pakistan’s stock market advances during the week, supported by lower global crude prices, remittance growth and optimism over easing geopolitical tensions.
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) recorded a positive performance during the outgoing week, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index gaining 2.3% week-on-week (WoW), supported by declining international crude oil prices and improving investor sentiment.
Market optimism also improved amid expectations of a potential de-escalation in geopolitical tensions following the US midterm election results. The decline in global oil prices provided additional support, encouraging buying activity across the market.
Several important economic and corporate developments also influenced investor sentiment during the week, including higher workers’ remittances, Pakistan’s fiscal position and changes in international market indices.
Workers’ remittances reached $3.9 billion in October 2026, representing an increase of 14% year-on-year (YoY) and 8% month-on-month (MoM). The latest inflows took cumulative remittances during the first four months of FY2026-27 to $14.8 billion, up 14% compared with the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year.
Meanwhile, Pakistan recorded a fiscal surplus of Rs1,274 billion, equivalent to 0.9% of gross domestic product (GDP), during the first quarter of FY2026-27. However, the surplus was 40% lower than Rs2,119 billion, or 1.7% of GDP, recorded in the same quarter of FY2025-26.
Another significant development involved the cement royalty case concerning Punjab-based companies. The case concluded at the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), which reserved its judgment. The decision is expected in the coming days and could have implications for the companies involved.
In international market developments, MSCI added ATRL to the MSCI Pakistan Index as part of its November 2026 review. However, Pakistan’s weighting in the MSCI Frontier Markets Index declined to 4.98% from 5.20%.
MSCI also removed PAKOXY and FLYING from the MSCI Frontier Markets Small Cap Index as part of the latest review.
Trading activity remained substantial during the week, with average daily market volume reaching approximately 1,083 million shares. Average daily traded value stood at Rs38.77 billion, reflecting continued investor participation in the equity market.
The KSE-100 Index’s weekly gain highlights improved market sentiment, although investors will continue monitoring international oil prices, geopolitical developments, economic indicators and corporate announcements for further direction.