Benchmark index jumps 3,748 points on easing inflation and lower global oil prices, with banking stocks leading gains
KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) extended its record-breaking rally on Wednesday, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index closing above the 184,000-point mark for the first time after strong investor buying fuelled by easing inflation and declining global oil prices.
The KSE-100 Index settled at 184,050.10 points, gaining 3,748.40 points, or 2.08%, from the previous close of 180,301.70.
During the trading session, the benchmark touched an intraday high of 184,233.57 points after opening on a strong note, while the day’s low stood at 180,565.83 points, reflecting sustained bullish momentum throughout the session.
Market activity also remained robust, with 472.43 million shares traded in KSE-100 constituents, while the value of traded shares reached Rs45.94 billion.
According to analysts at Topline Securities Limited, the market extended its historic rally following the release of softer-than-expected inflation data and continued weakness in international crude oil prices.
They said investor confidence strengthened after Pakistan’s headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation eased to 11.07% in June 2026 from 11.66% in May, raising expectations that the State Bank of Pakistan may adopt a more accommodative monetary policy stance in the coming months.
The sharp decline in global energy prices also supported market sentiment, with West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude trading near US$68 per barrel, reducing concerns over Pakistan’s import bill and future inflationary pressures.
The rally was driven by aggressive institutional buying and broad-based participation across key sectors, enabling the benchmark index to extend its record-setting momentum.
Banking stocks dominated the gains, with United Bank Limited (UBL), Meezan Bank Limited (MEBL), Habib Bank Limited (HBL), MCB Bank Limited (MCB) and Bank AL Habib Limited (BAHL) collectively contributing 2,429 points to the benchmark index.
Overall market participation improved compared with the previous trading session. Total trading volume across the market climbed to 941 million shares, while the total traded value reached approximately Rs57 billion.
K-Electric Limited (KEL) emerged as the volume leader, with around 82 million shares changing hands during the session.
Market analysts said optimism surrounding improving macroeconomic indicators, expectations of lower interest rates and easing global commodity prices continued to attract investors, helping the PSX maintain its strong upward trajectory as the new fiscal year got under way.
