Karachi, March 17, 2025 – The KSE-100 index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) rallied 663 points on Monday as investor sentiment remained buoyant amid improving economic indicators.
The KSE-100 closed at 116,199 points, up from 115,536 points recorded in the previous session.
Analysts at Topline Securities Limited noted that the KSE-100 index experienced a strong trading session, surging as much as 1,091 points at its peak before settling at 116,199 points, reflecting a 0.57% increase. The rally was primarily fueled by optimism surrounding the government’s efforts to resolve Pakistan’s power sector circular debt. Though the Rs 1.25 trillion restructuring deal awaits final approval, market participants viewed the development positively.
Additionally, progress on Pakistan’s $7 billion IMF loan program contributed to bullish sentiment. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) acknowledged “strong progress” on the reform agenda, even though a staff-level agreement has yet to be finalized. These factors helped sustain investor confidence in the market.
The upward momentum in the KSE-100 was led by key blue-chip stocks, with MARI, PSO, LUCK, OGDC, and SEARL collectively adding 658 points to the index. However, some stocks, including FFC, EFERT, and HUBC, exerted downward pressure, dragging the index by nearly 200 points.
Market participation remained robust, with 506 million shares traded, generating a turnover of Rs 34 billion. PAEL emerged as the most active stock of the session, leading the volume chart with 48 million shares exchanged.
With investor confidence strengthening, analysts anticipate further gains in the KSE-100, provided economic reforms stay on track. The index’s future trajectory will likely hinge on progress in fiscal policies, corporate earnings performance, and global market trends.
Moreover, foreign portfolio inflows and corporate earnings season could further influence trading activity. Any significant policy changes related to taxation, energy tariffs, or monetary tightening may also impact investor sentiment in the coming weeks. Despite global market uncertainties, the KSE-100 remains well-positioned to sustain its upward momentum, provided economic stability persists.