KSE-100 crosses 138,000 for the first time, gains 2,286 points on strong buying

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) extended its bullish streak on Thursday, as the benchmark KSE-100 index climbed 2,285.53 points (+1.68%) to a record close at 138,665.50, with an intra-day high of 138,943.47.

Key drivers of the rally

  • Sector performance:

    • Energy: Oil and gas exploration, refining, and power stocks led gains

    • Banking: United Bank, National Bank, and Habib Bank supported momentum

    • Fertiliser & cement: Fauji Fertiliser, Engro Fertilisers, Lucky Cement added strength

  • Major gainers:

    • Fauji Fertiliser (+2.92%)

    • United Bank (+2.82%)

    • Engro Fertilisers (+5%)

  • Major losers:

    • Bank AL Habib (-0.86%)

    • Thal Limited (-3.37%)

    • Habib Metropolitan Bank (-1.15%)

Corporate & diplomatic highlights

  • Pakistan Services rose +10% after AKD Group Holding offered to acquire 28% voting shares

  • Pakistan and El Salvador established bilateral relations, exploring cryptocurrency cooperation

Mutual fund holdings

  • OGDC: Held by 62 funds (17.2% free float)

  • PPL: Held by 51 funds (15.5%)

  • PSO: Held by 50 funds (29.7%)

Market activity

  • Trading volume: 780 million shares (vs 706m on Wednesday)

  • Turnover: Rs40 billion

  • Companies traded: 486

    • 306 gained

    • 154 declined

    • 26 unchanged

According to AHL Research, the index rebounded after testing key support earlier in the week and is now up 3.25% so far this week, edging closer to the 139,000 mark.