PSX crosses 126,000 mark with a gain of over 1,600 points 

KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange’s (PSX) benchmark KSE-100 index crossed the 126,000 mark for the first time on Thursday, gaining more than 1,600 points in early trade as broad-based buying continued on improved investor sentiment following the federal budget. 

The benchmark KSE-100 index rose 1,676.78 points to 126,029.46 by 11:23am local time, with trading volumes reaching about 107.8 million shares. 

The index was up 1,102.66 points, or 0.89 per cent, at 125,455.34 in early trading at 9:50am, and climbed further to 125,794.82 by 11:11am, gaining 1,442.14 points with volumes at 92.6 million shares. 

Shares in key sectors including automobile assemblers, cement, commercial banks, oil and gas exploration companies, oil marketing firms and refineries traded higher. 

Investors continued to react positively to measures outlined in the federal budget, analysts said, which included policy clarity and expectations of improved macroeconomic indicators. 

Previous close 

The KSE-100 index closed at a record high of 124,352.68 on Wednesday, gaining 2,328.24 points, or 1.91 per cent. It touched an intraday high of 124,588.17 and a low of 123,237.99. Total traded volume stood at 332.6 million shares. 

Top contributors to the index on Wednesday included Lucky Cement Ltd (LUCK.PSX) up 244.71 points, Fauji Fertiliser Co Ltd (FFC.PSX) up 203.88 points, Pakistan Petroleum Ltd (PPL.PSX) up 199.10 points, Engro Corp Ltd (ENGROH.PSX) up 156.57 points, and Mari Petroleum Co Ltd (MARI.PSX) up 148.56 points. 

Losses were led by Atlas Honda Ltd (ATLH.PSX) down 22.02 points, Attock Refinery Ltd (ATRL.PSX) down 19.47 points, FrieslandCampina Engro Pakistan Ltd (FCEPL.PSX) down 18.92 points, Cnergyico PK Ltd (CNERGY.PSX) down 13.32 points, and Colgate-Palmolive Pakistan Ltd (COLG.PSX) down 11.05 points. 

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