Buying interest in key energy stocks lifted the benchmark index, while market activity remained robust with Rs36 billion traded value.

KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) closed the week on a positive note on Friday, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index gaining 575 points as investor interest strengthened during the latter part of the trading session.

The KSE-100 Index remained largely range-bound during the first half of the session. However, buying interest emerged in the final hours, helping the benchmark extend gains and reach an intraday high of 0.56%.

The index ultimately settled at 177,167 points, up 575 points, or 0.33%, from the previous session.

Buying interest was concentrated in several key index-heavy stocks, particularly from the energy sector.

OGDC, HUBC, ATRL, SRVI, PPL and MARI emerged as the leading positive contributors to the benchmark, collectively adding around 494 points to the KSE-100 Index.

Among individual stocks, Oil and Gas Development Company (OGDC) led trading activity by value, with shares worth approximately Rs2.38 billion changing hands.

CNERGY remained the largest contributor in terms of traded value, recording transactions worth around Rs3.5 billion. PPL followed with Rs1.95 billion, while HUBC recorded Rs1.65 billion.

PSO and ATRL also remained among the most actively traded stocks, recording traded values of approximately Rs1.55 billion and Rs1.27 billion, respectively.

Overall market participation remained active during the session. Total traded volume stood at approximately 689 million shares, while the total traded value reached around Rs36 billion.

The Friday session reflected a cautious but improving investor mood, with the market gaining momentum toward the close despite moving sideways during much of the day.

Investors continued to monitor developments in key sectors and broader economic indicators, with energy stocks playing a significant role in supporting the benchmark’s recovery during the session.