PSX extends gains with KSE-100 up over 1,600 points by midday 

KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed strong momentum on Monday, with the benchmark KSE-100 index surging over 1,600 points in early trade. By around 12:30 PM, the index had climbed 1,634.56 points, or 1.18 per cent, to reach 139,852.14. This marked another step closer to the 140,000 level, showing continued investor confidence amid a rally that has pushed the market higher in recent months. 

The index traded between a low of 138,197.81 and a high of 139,901.77 during the first half of the session. More than 132 million shares had changed hands by midday, with the total value of trades crossing Rs15.84 billion. Compared to the previous close of 138,217.58, Monday’s gains further highlighted the bullish sentiment that has dominated the market this year.

Year to date, the KSE-100 index has risen by 21.48 per cent, while its one-year performance now stands at a remarkable 78.07 per cent. The benchmark’s 52-week range shows a low of 76,943.24 and a high of 140,585.39, reflecting the strong recovery and investor optimism across the board. 

Several stocks posted impressive gains, particularly from the textile, financial, and industrial sectors. Among the notable advancers were companies that hit their upper circuit limit, each rising around 10 per cent in intraday trade. This broad-based rally pointed to renewed buying interest from both local and foreign participants.

However, not all shares shared in the day’s gains. A few stocks faced profit-taking pressure and slipped lower. The most prominent decliner was PIAHCLB, which dropped 10 per cent by midday. Other laggards included STML, GEMPAPL, and PSYL, which saw declines ranging from 8 to 9 per cent.

Overall, the market appeared to remain underpinned by improving economic sentiment, expectations of policy continuity, and growing confidence in the corporate earnings outlook. If this momentum continues, the index could soon challenge new all-time highs. 

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