- Analysts attribute rally to buying from local funds.
- Total traded volumes clock in at 1.3bn shares.
- Market turnover rises to Rs86.1bn at closing.
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) reached a record high on Wednesday as the benchmark index climbed more than 1,000 points, crossing the 186,000 mark amid improved investor sentiment over renewed equity buying.
The KSE-100 Index settled at 186,518.71 points, up 1,456.61 points, or 0.79%, at the closing, from the previous day’s closing of 185,062.1.
The positive momentum reflected sustained investor confidence, driven largely by aggressive buying from local funds, an analyst at Topline Securities said.
“The shift in asset allocation — from fixed-income instruments to equities amid declining returns on traditional avenues — has continued to fuel liquidity and support elevated valuations,” the analyst added.
During today’s session, the benchmark index surged to an intraday high of 187,015.11, while profit-taking remained modest.
Market activity remained vibrant, with total traded volumes clocking in at 1.3 billion shares, while market turnover rose to Rs86.1 billion.
Market analyst had attributed the rally to renewed investor confidence, with equities increasingly seen as a more attractive investment option.
“The market is being led by overall fresh equity positions at the start of the year, with investors chasing the stock market as a better asset play than keeping money in banks or cash funds,” said AAH Soomro, an independent investment and economic analyst.
He added that optimism surrounding the broader economy was drawing new participants into the market. “The economic outlook is promising, hence new investors are jumping in,” Soomro said.
On Tuesday, the benchmark KSE-100 Index settled at 185,062.10 points, up 2,653.87 points, or 1.45%, from 182,408.23.
In single-stock milestones, United Bank Limited (UBL) is now the largest listed company by market capitalisation at PKR 1.27 trillion, edging Oil and Gas Development Company (OGDC) at PKR 1.26 trillion after a strong run in banks.
On the public-finance front, Pakistan’s central government debt fell Rs345 billion (-0.44%) in July–November FY26 to Rs77.543 trillion from Rs77.888 trillion at the end of June, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) data showed.
Domestic debt stood at Rs54.619 trillion (up 0.26% compared to June, up 1.21% MoM and up 12% YoY), while external debt was Rs22.925 trillion (down Rs492 billion, or 2.1%, in July–November, down 0.34% MoM and up 5.25% YoY).
Authorities cited continued efforts to narrow the fiscal gap and the Rs2.42 trillion SBP profit transfer in FY25 as supportive factors.
