Pakistan's stock market extends record run
KSE-100 index nears 153,000; liquidity boost, heavyweights lift index to new peak
OUR CORRESPONDENT
KARACHI
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) continued its north-bound march on Thursday, with the benchmark KSE-100 index scaling another all-time high. The index added 464 points, or 0.30%, to settle at 152,666, as bullish momentum showed little sign of slowing.
"The session kicked off on a strong note, with investors doubling down on fertiliser, cement, technology, and E&P stocks," said Ali Najib, Deputy Head of Trading at Arif Habib Ltd. Heavyweights such as Fauji Fertiliser Company (FFC), cement major Lucky Cement (LUCK), tech leader Systems Ltd (SYS), and Mari Petroleum (MARI) were the standout performers, together contributing 434 points to the day’s gains.
Market sentiment was further buoyed by the government’s latest Treasury Bill auction, which raised Rs491 billion against a target of Rs400 billion. Analysts noted that steady yields, with only the one-month tenor easing by 14 basis points, highlighted robust liquidity in the system and reinforced investor confidence.
Despite a slight dip in volumes compared to the previous session, overall activity remained strong. Turnover stood at 954 million shares, worth Rs46 billion. The Bank of Punjab (BOP) once again dominated the volume charts, with 99.5 million shares changing hands, underscoring sustained retail and institutional interest.
Market watchers see 150,000 points as a solid support level, with the index now within striking distance of the much-anticipated 153,000 milestone. Analysts believe abundant liquidity and risk-on sentiment will continue to drive fresh highs, as the bulls maintain their grip on the market.
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