PSX maintains upward momentum, gains over 2200 points

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) opened on a strong note on Thursday, with the benchmark KSE-100 index registering significant gains in early trade. Investor optimism was visible across key sectors, driving the market upward from the start. By 10:21 AM, the index had surged 2,261.89 points to reach 160,445.83, with a trading volume of nearly 60 million shares.

Heavy buying interest was observed in automobile assemblers, cement, commercial banks, fertiliser, oil and gas exploration, oil marketing companies, and power generation and refinery sectors. Major index-heavy stocks such as HUBCO, ARL, MARI, OGDC, PPL, POL, DGKC, HBL, MCB, MEBL, and UBL traded in positive territory.

IMF disbursement boosts investor sentiment

Market participants appeared encouraged by international developments as well. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has scheduled a meeting of its executive board on December 8 to approve a $1.2 billion disbursement to Pakistan. The anticipated funding is expected to support fiscal stability and strengthen investor confidence, which was reflected in Thursday’s early gains.

Midday performance and market movers

By 12:59 PM, the KSE-100 index was trading at 159,441.57, up 1,257.63 points or 0.80 percent from the previous close. The day’s range fluctuated between 158,971.48 and 160,485.00, with a total volume of 126.83 million shares. Year-to-date, the market has gained 38.49 percent, while its one-year growth stands at 70.79 percent.

Top gainers included TSPL, PPVC, SEL, ASTM, KML, ARUJ, BFMOD, SERT, CHBL, and TSBL, posting gains near 10 percent, while MLCF rose 7.20 percent. On the other hand, GLPL and TRSM led decliners with losses of 10 percent each, followed by GEMBLUEX, ARPAK, CCM, ANTM, AGICR2, MUGHALC, CTM, and GEMSPNL. Other actively traded stocks showed mixed movements, reflecting selective sectoral rotations.

Previous session recap

The previous session on Wednesday concluded with the KSE-100 index at 158,183.94, up 313.44 points or 0.20 percent. The index traded in a 2,312.87-point range, reaching an intraday high of 159,516.41 and a low of 157,203.54. Of the 100 companies in the index, 45 closed higher, 54 declined, and one remained unchanged. KTML, FHAM, PSEL, BNWM, and LOTCHEM were the top gainers, while PGLC, MEHT, TGL, SSGC, and SEARL posted the steepest losses.

Thursday’s session reflects sustained investor confidence, supported by broad-based buying and positive international developments. Market watchers will closely monitor the IMF’s upcoming decision, which may further shape market sentiment and trading patterns in the days ahead.