PSX back in green by mid-morning

KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed a highly volatile session on Thursday as the benchmark KSE-100 index moved sharply between gains and losses before stabilising in positive territory by mid-morning.

The market opened on a strong note, with the index gaining 381.69 points to reach 147,875.72 at 9:38 AM when volumes stood at 6.4 million shares. However, profit-taking quickly set in and the benchmark slipped into the red. By 10:05 AM, the index was down 284.48 points at 147,209.55 with trading volumes rising to 22.4 million.

The selling pressure proved short-lived, and the PSX made a swift recovery. By 10:33 AM, the index was back in green, up 187.71 points at 147,681.74 with volumes crossing 36 million shares.

By 11:14 AM, the benchmark was seen at 147,636.11, higher by 142.08 points or 0.10 percent. The intraday high so far was 147,875.72 while the day’s low stood at 147,209.55. Total traded volume had surged to 58.8 million shares.

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On a broader scale, the PSX has shown remarkable strength, standing 89.29 percent higher on a year-on-year basis and 28.24 percent up since the start of 2025. The 52-week range reflects a strong rally, with the index climbing from a low of 77,990.35 to a record high of 151,261.67.

Top market movers

Among the most notable gainers during intraday trade were First National Equities (FNEL) up 18.07 percent, Pace Pakistan (PACE) rising 14.16 percent, and TPL Corporation (TPL) advancing 13.09 percent. Other strong performers included Bank of Khyber (BOK), Elahi Cotton Mills (ELCM), and Jubilee Spinning (JUBS), all up by around 10 percent.

On the losing side, Pakistan Investment Management (PIM) fell 10.01 percent, ASC dropped 10 percent, and TPL Properties (TPLL) declined 9.95 percent. Several others, including FTSM, IML, and HAFL, also faced heavy losses during the session.

Sector highlights

Automobile assemblers largely remained in positive territory. Sazgar Engineering Works (SAZEW) gained 2.67 percent to Rs1,535.18, Indus Motors (INDU) rose 0.47 percent to Rs2,371.75, and Millat Tractors (MTL) edged up 0.32 percent to Rs574. Honda Atlas (HCAR) was also up slightly, while Atlas Honda Limited (ATLH) slipped 0.22 percent to Rs1,221.50.

Within KSE-100 constituents, strong gainers included Hum Network (+3.49 percent), Airlink (+3.30 percent), TRG (+2.63 percent), and Abbott Laboratories (+2.45 percent). On the flip side, Mughal Iron and Steel (MUGHAL) shed 3.61 percent, Bank Alfalah (PABC) dropped 3.23 percent, and Pak Gulf Leasing (PGLC) lost 2.56 percent.

Yesterday’s close

In the previous session, the benchmark closed at 147,494.03, down 941.03 points or 0.63 percent. The market traded in a wide range of nearly 1,900 points with volumes of 186.4 million shares.