Karachi, March 13, 2025 – The benchmark KSE-100 index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed a significant rally on Thursday, gaining 1,010 points amid optimism surrounding the smooth conclusion of the ongoing negotiations between the Pakistani authorities and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The KSE-100 index closed at 115,094 points, up from the previous day’s closing level of 114,085 points. The market exhibited strong bullish momentum, fueled by positive investor sentiment regarding the IMF review. Analysts at Topline Securities Limited noted that the index hit an impressive intraday high of 1,162 points before settling at 115,094, reflecting a solid gain of 0.89%.
The prevailing optimism was driven by growing expectations that the IMF talks would conclude successfully, providing much-needed economic stability. Investors responded with aggressive buying across major sectors, further strengthening the KSE-100 index’s upward trajectory. The rally was led by key stocks, including FFC, PSO, LUCK, ENGROH, and MARI, which collectively contributed 506 points to the benchmark index.
Market participation remained robust, with 382 million shares traded during the session, generating a total turnover of Rs 25.4 billion. BOP emerged as the volume leader, with 48 million shares changing hands. Analysts believe that the smooth execution of the IMF program could pave the way for additional inflows and improved macroeconomic indicators, further bolstering confidence in the KSE-100.
The broader market outlook remains positive, as investors eagerly await further updates from the IMF negotiations. A successful agreement with the IMF is expected to unlock financial support, stabilize foreign exchange reserves, and reinforce Pakistan’s fiscal policies, ultimately benefiting the equity markets. The recent rally in the KSE-100 highlights investor confidence in Pakistan’s economic direction and the impact of anticipated policy measures.
If the IMF review progresses as expected, analysts predict sustained buying interest in key sectors such as banking, energy, and cement, which could drive the KSE-100 index to new highs in the coming weeks. Market watchers remain optimistic that favorable macroeconomic developments and continued IMF support will sustain the positive sentiment in the stock market.