PSX rises 1% as easing US-Iran tensions boost investor confidence
Photo: Express
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) extended its recovery on Tuesday, with the benchmark KSE‑100 index rising 1% to close at 186,900.74 points, driven by easing geopolitical tensions and continued institutional buying.
The index gained 1,842.91 points, trading in a range of 185,545.93 to 187,518.79 during the session, as investor confidence returned following improvements in diplomatic relations between the United States and Iran.
Earlier, selling pressure, which had been fuelled by geopolitical uncertainty, rollover-related activity, and caution ahead of the corporate results season, appeared to ease.
Data from the National Clearing Company indicated that sustained purchases by local institutional investors played a central role in supporting the market, helping buyers absorb selling pressure across multiple sectors.
Read: PSX gains ground on easing geopolitical risks
Market activity saw a marked improvement, with total volumes increasing to 848.5 million shares from Monday’s 740m, while the value of traded shares stood at Rs50 billion. A total of 486 companies changed hands, of which 294 closed higher, 145 declined and 47 remained unchanged. K‑Electric led the session in volumes, with 99.6m shares traded, closing at Rs7.35, up Rs0.24.
Blue-chip stocks drove the KSE‑100 gains, with Fauji Fertiliser, United Bank, Engro Holdings, Habib Metro Bank, Systems Limited, Pakistan State Oil, MCB Bank, Bank Al Habib, Bank Al Falah, Interloop, and National Bank emerging as the major contributors.
Sector-wise, commercial banks, fertilisers, technology and pharmaceuticals led the positive momentum, reflecting broad-based strength across the board.
Brokerage KTrade Securities noted that the market closed on a robust note, with steady buying supporting the index and volumes gradually returning to normal levels.
Analysts said that if geopolitical stability persists, coupled with improved retail participation and institutional interest, the PSX could maintain its upward trajectory in the near term.