The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) closed at a fresh all-time high on Monday as strong buying momentum pushed the benchmark index above 170,500 points, reflecting sustained investor confidence.
The KSE-100 Index ended the session at 170,741 points, gaining 876 points compared with the previous close. The market remained firmly positive throughout the day, touching an intraday high of 171,001 points and a low of 170,292 points, signalling broad-based optimism.
Heavyweight stocks led the rally, with Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), Systems Limited (SYS), Maple Leaf Cement Factory (MLCF), National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) and United Bank Limited (UBL) collectively adding around 651 points to the index.
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Trading activity remained robust, with total volumes reaching 904 million shares and overall market turnover rising to approximately Rs47 billion. PIBTL was the most traded stock of the session, with 123 million shares traded, underscoring strong retail participation.
Market sentiment received a significant boost from the State Bank of Pakistan’s surprise decision earlier in the day to cut the policy rate by 50 basis points to 10.5 per cent, despite lingering food inflation pressures and external sector concerns. Investors welcomed the move, viewing it as supportive of growth and corporate earnings.
The PSX has also remained on a positive trajectory following the International Monetary Fund’s Executive Board approval of a $1.2 billion tranche for Pakistan, after the successful completion of the second review under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the first review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF).
Analysts say improved macroeconomic expectations, easing monetary conditions,s and optimism around upcoming corporate results continue to underpin the market’s upward momentum.