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A sign of the Pakistan Stock Exchange is seen on its building in Karachi, Pakistan January 11, 2016. PHOTO: REUTERS
KARACHI:
Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Thursday ended marginally higher as selective buying in banking and energy stocks helped the benchmark KSE-100 index recover 276 points ahead of the federal budget announcement.
At the close of trading, the KSE-100 posted a modest rise of 276.16 points, or 0.16%, and settled at 169,703.60.
Arif Habib Ltd (AHL) stated that the market experienced a flat trading session, with the KSE-100 closing slightly below the 170k threshold at 169,703.6. This represented a minor daily increase of 276.2 points, though broader momentum remained negative as the index was down 2.45% in the month to date (MTD) and 2.50% in the calendar year to date (CY26TD).
Total market capitalisation for the KSE All-Share Index closed at Rs18,876.7 billion ($67.8 billion), supported by a regular traded volume of 771.9 million shares. Market gains were primarily driven by Meezan Bank (+1.01%), Mari Energies (+1.1%), and Engro Holdings (+0.69%), while the index was dragged down by losses in Fauji Fertiliser Company (-0.38%), Hubco (-0.46%), and Pakistan Petroleum (-0.62%).
In terms of individual stock activity, Maple Leaf Cement led in trade value at $11 million, whereas Sitara Petroleum Service dominated trade volumes with 53.7 million shares.
Topline’s market review stated that the benchmark KSE-100 index concluded the trading session on a buoyant note, edging higher to close at 169,704, registering a gain of 276 points – a modest yet encouraging recovery amid an otherwise turbulent week dominated by geopolitical headwinds.
On the index contribution front, heavyweights such as Meezan Bank, Mari Energies, Engro Holdings, UBL, and Pakistan Oilfields emerged as the primary drivers of upside momentum, collectively contributing 315 points, underscoring sustained institutional interest in blue-chip names across the energy and banking sectors. Market participation remained robust, with total traded volumes reaching 772 million shares and the total traded value hitting Rs27.05 billion.
Shares of 487 companies were traded in the ready market. Of these, 190 stocks closed higher, 250 fell, and 47 remained unchanged.
First National Equities was the volume leader with trading in 118.36 million shares, gaining Rs0.04 to close at Rs1.35. It was followed by Sitara Petroleum with 53.70 million shares, gaining Rs1.97 to close at Rs21.66, and Maple Leaf Cement with 35.48 million shares, gaining Rs0.91 to close at Rs86.51.
Foreign investors sold shares worth Rs2 billion, the National Clearing Company reported.