PSX KSE-100 Gains 173 Points Amid Trade Deal Optimism

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) ended positively on July 29, 2025, with the KSE-100 index rising 172.77 points, or 0.12%, to close at 139,380.06. Early trading pushed the index to an intraday high of 140,149, but profit-taking in banking stocks capped gains. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s comments on a potential U.S. trade deal boosted sentiment, though the U.S. side has not confirmed a timeline.

The index opened buoyantly but faced selling pressure. Arif Habib Limited (AHL) noted: “Investors locked in profits at highs, leading to a modest pullback.” Traded volume was 589.3 million shares, valued at Rs 34.6 billion, up from Rs 24.6 billion the previous day. Of 483 traded companies, 251 stocks rose, 205 fell, and 27 remained unchanged.

Lucky Cement, Systems Limited, Fatima Fertiliser, Pakistan State Oil, and Sazgar Engineering Works added 379 points. Banking blue-chips like UBL, Meezan Bank, Bank Alfalah, HBL, and MCB subtracted 384 points. Aisha Steel Mills led the volumes with 51.8 million shares, gaining 42 paise to Rs 12.76.

Market Snapshot – July 28, 2025

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Optimism stemmed from Dar’s statement: “Pakistan and the U.S. are very close to finalising a trade deal.” This could boost exports and confidence, amid Pakistan’s $2.1 billion FY25 surplus. However, U.S. confirmation is pending. Earnings season and the July 30 monetary policy, with a potential 50-basis-point cut, added caution. The KSE-100 posted a 610-point weekly gain (0.44%). S&P’s upgrade to ‘B-‘ supports sentiment.

KSE-100 Session Data

Data Sources: PSX

AHL forecasts continued bullishness, with 137,000 as the support level. The trade deal and rate cut could drive further gains. The PSX’s modest rise reflects cautious optimism. Investors eye the monetary policy for direction.