PSX Rebounds as KSE-100 Gains 664 Points: What Lifted the Market?

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) closed higher on Monday, October 26, as the benchmark KSE-100 Index gained 663.59 points, or 0.41%, to settle at 163,038.47 points.

The index had closed at 162,374.88 points in the previous trading session. Monday’s gain offered some relief to investors following five consecutive weeks of losses.

How Did the Market Perform?

The market experienced fluctuations during the session, with the KSE-100 Index moving between an intraday low of 161,250 points and a high of 163,477 points before closing above the 163,000 level.

Market capitalisation increased to approximately Rs18.06 trillion from Rs18.01 trillion in the previous session.

Trading activity remained substantial, with around 376 million shares changing hands in the ready market, while the total traded value stood at approximately Rs16.19 billion.

Which Stocks Supported the Market?

Shares of United Bank Limited, Engro Holdings, Lucky Cement, Oil and Gas Development Company, and Mari Energies were among the major contributors to the index’s rise.

However, some companies recorded losses. The overall market remained mixed, with 196 companies closing higher, 251 declining and 48 remaining unchanged among the 495 companies traded in the ready market.

What About Interest Rates and Investor Confidence?

The market’s recovery came on the same day the State Bank of Pakistan raised its policy rate by 0.50 percentage points to 12%.

Investors also continued to monitor international oil prices, regional tensions and domestic economic conditions. These factors can affect inflation, borrowing costs and company earnings, all of which influence stock market performance.

What Happens Next?

Monday’s increase is a positive move for the market, but one session does not confirm a lasting recovery. Investors will continue watching economic announcements, company results and changes in global energy prices to assess the market’s direction.