Karachi, January 3, 2025 – The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) closed the week on a high note, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index reaching a new record level of 117,587 points in a mixed trading session. The index gained 467 points from the previous day’s closing of 117,120 points, reflecting renewed investor confidence despite earlier volatility.
The trading day began on a bearish note, as initial selling pressure dragged the index to an intraday low of 115,580 points. However, a surge in buying activity during the second half of the session reversed earlier losses, enabling the KSE-100 Index to close in positive territory. By the end of the session, the benchmark settled at 117,587, marking an increase of 0.4%.
During the day, several key sectors, including automobile assemblers, cement, chemicals, commercial banks, oil and gas exploration companies, oil marketing companies (OMCs), and power generation, faced selling pressure. Major index-heavy stocks such as HUBCO, PSO, SHELL, MARI, OGDC, POL, MCB, MEBL, NBP, and UBL traded in the red, contributing to the early dip in market sentiment.
Market analysts observed that while the session exhibited mixed trends, the recovery highlights growing optimism among investors. “Equities, particularly cyclicals, present attractive opportunities for investors as the country gradually transitions from stabilization to growth,” noted Intermarket Securities in a market report.
Thursday’s session, preceding this record-breaking day, had also been marked by volatility. The KSE-100 Index experienced sharp fluctuations, ultimately closing slightly higher at 117,119.65, gaining 111.57 points.
The record close at 117,587 points underscores the resilience of the PSX amid fluctuating investor sentiment. Karachi’s financial community remains optimistic about the future as the economy shows signs of stabilization and growth. The PSX’s performance indicates confidence in key sectors despite challenges, signaling a potential upward trend in the coming weeks.
Looking ahead, market participants in Karachi and beyond will keep an eye on macroeconomic developments and corporate earnings, which could further influence the PSX’s trajectory in the near term.