PSX hits fresh all-time high, crosses 155,800 in early trade

KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) began the week on a strong note on Monday, with the benchmark KSE-100 index surging to levels never seen before in the country’s market history. The index opened in green and within minutes of the opening bell, it crossed the 155,000 mark, setting new intraday records.

The benchmark climbed by 981.32 points to reach 155,258.51 at 9:33 AM, accompanied by an early trade volume of more than 9.4 million shares.

The momentum strengthened further, and by 9:44 AM, the index had soared 1,277.24 points to 155,554.43, with volumes nearing 38.8 million shares. The rally continued briefly as the market touched 155,601.58 at 9:46 AM, representing a gain of 1,324.39 points and a record intraday high.

Although the pace of gains slowed afterwards, the index held its ground in positive territory. By 9:54 AM, the KSE-100 was still trading at 155,346.17, up by 1,068.98 points or 0.69 percent.

As of the latest update before 10 AM, the day’s range stood between 154,944.87 and 155,601.58, with overall traded volume crossing 66.7 million shares. In terms of longer-term performance, the benchmark has now gained 96.90 percent over the past year and has risen 34.93 percent so far in 2025.

Top performers and laggards

Before midday, several stocks shone brightly with double-digit gains. These included TPL Insurance, Balochistan Glass, Crescent Fibres, Sitara Chemical, and Mianwali Mills, all of which advanced around 10 percent. Other notable advancers were 786 Investments, Power Cement Preference, and GEM Spinning, each securing strong upward momentum.

On the losing side, some scrips came under pressure despite the broader market rally. Nishat Spinning, First Swabi Leasing, and Chakwal Spinning fell sharply, with losses ranging between 8 and 9 percent. RCML, JATM, and PIA Holding Company also ended lower, with declines of around 5 percent. Heavyweight PIAHCLB slipped by Rs1,350.95 to settle at Rs24,155.05 during early trade.

KSE-100 constituents in mixed territory

Among index heavyweights, a number of companies traded in red as of 10 AM. Fertiliser major Fatima dropped 1.80 percent, JVDC slipped 1.52 percent, and TGL shed 1.39 percent. Oil marketing company APL also eased 0.43 percent, while banking giant HBL fell 0.74 percent to Rs257.50. Other names such as Paktobacco, Glaxo, and Lucky subsidiary KTML also recorded slight losses.

In contrast, gains in select blue chips lifted the index further. Hub Power surged nearly 5 percent to Rs195.29, adding crucial index points. Pakistan Petroleum climbed 1.21 percent, Lucky Cement advanced 1.38 percent, and PSO gained 1.65 percent. Cement names including DG Khan Cement and Maple Leaf Cement also rallied, while National Refinery and PSEL provided additional strength.

Last week’s close

The upbeat momentum follows a bullish close on Friday, when the KSE-100 ended at 154,277.19 after rising 1,611.47 points or 1.06 percent during the day. That session saw the index move between 153,129.78 and 154,511.31 before settling higher. Cement, banks, and power companies played a leading role, while fertilisers and technology shares weighed slightly on the index.

Later, around 10:24 AM, the stock market extended its gains further, rising by 1,536.2 points to reach 155,813.39, with traded volume climbing to 121 million shares.

With today’s fresh rally, the KSE-100 has once again extended its upward trajectory, underlining strong investor confidence as the market charts new records.