Benchmark index posts modest weekly gain as investor confidence improves despite geopolitical concerns.
KARACHI: The benchmark KSE-100 Index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) closed higher on Friday, July 31, 2026, gaining 546.1 points, or 0.31%, to settle at 176,094.1, as renewed buying interest helped the market recover despite lingering geopolitical uncertainties.
According to market data, the benchmark index maintained positive momentum throughout the session, reflecting improved investor sentiment following recent volatility triggered by developments in the Middle East and fluctuations in global crude oil prices.
Trading activity remained healthy, with the ready market recording a total volume of 881 million shares, while the total traded value stood at Rs25 billion (approximately $89.8 million).
The PSX Futures Market also witnessed active participation, with 582.4 million shares changing hands and a traded value of Rs24.9 billion, equivalent to $89.7 million.
Market capitalization of the Pakistan Stock Exchange increased to Rs19.76 trillion (around $71.1 billion), registering a 0.2% daily increase. Since the beginning of calendar year 2026, the KSE-100 Index has posted a gain of 1.2%, while market capitalization has risen 0.3%.
Despite Friday’s recovery, the benchmark index remains below its 12-month high of 189,166.8 points, recorded on January 23, 2026. The market’s 12-month low of 139,390.4 points was registered on July 31, 2025, highlighting the significant rebound achieved over the past year.
Average daily trading activity also remained robust, with the 12-month average daily volume at 912.3 million shares and the average daily traded value at Rs42.6 billion, underscoring sustained investor participation in the equity market.
Analysts said the market’s performance was supported by selective buying in blue-chip stocks as investors weighed improving domestic macroeconomic indicators against persistent external risks, including geopolitical tensions and global commodity price movements.
Going forward, market participants are expected to closely monitor developments in international oil markets, domestic economic indicators, corporate earnings announcements, and policy decisions for further direction.