Karachi, April 17, 2025 — The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) recorded a strong rally on Thursday, gaining 881 points as investor sentiment soared following news of a historic current account surplus, signaling improved macroeconomic stability.
The benchmark KSE-100 index of PSX closed at 116,901 points, up from the previous day’s closing of 116,020 points — reflecting a 0.76% gain. Analysts attributed the bullish momentum to renewed investor confidence triggered by the record-breaking surplus and positive developments in key sectors.
Chase Securities Limited noted that the PSX rally was driven by a combination of strong remittance inflows and expectations surrounding the resolution of circular debt issues, which together suggest a more stable economic outlook for Pakistan.
According to the State Bank of Pakistan, the country posted a current account surplus of $1.2 billion in March 2025 — the highest ever monthly surplus in Pakistan’s history. This positive data boosted optimism in financial markets, with traders viewing the surplus as a sign of improved fiscal discipline and stronger foreign exchange reserves.
Market activity also reflected this upbeat mood. The total trading volume at PSX was recorded at 513 million shares, while the traded value reached an impressive Rs41.3 billion.
Cement stocks were among the top performers, supported by reports of a Rs30 price hike in the northern region. Shares of MLCF, LUCKY, and FCCL rose between 1% and 6% as investors anticipated improved profit margins in the sector.
Additionally, speculative buzz regarding the signing of a term sheet by 18 banks positively impacted the energy sector. Stocks of PSO, SNGP, SSGC, OGDC, and PPL registered gains between 1% and 3%, as expectations of liquidity support lifted market sentiment.
The historic surplus and the market’s robust response underline the strong correlation between economic indicators and stock market performance. Going forward, investors will closely monitor further fiscal data to assess the sustainability of this surplus and the long-term outlook for PSX.