The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) surged past the historic 143,000-point level on Tuesday, driven by strong investor optimism and robust buying during the opening trading session. The benchmark KSE-100 index rose by 1,154.50 points, or 0.81 percent, reaching 143,207.14 points just before noon. This marks a new all-time high for the PSX, highlighting positive market momentum.
Out of 466 companies traded so far, 311 saw their share prices increase, while 141 declined and 14 remained unchanged. Major sectors, including automobile assemblers, commercial banks, cement, fertilizer, and oil marketing companies, mostly traded in positive territory. Blue-chip stocks such as SNGPL, WAFI, INDU, MCB, MEBL, and UBL also contributed to the upward trend.
Market analysts linked the strong performance to renewed optimism following a new trade deal between Pakistan and the United States. The agreement aims to reduce tariffs on Pakistani exports, which could help ease pressure on the country’s current account and boost economic growth. This positive development has lifted investor confidence significantly.
Earlier on Monday, the PSX also recorded gains, closing 1,017.66 points higher at 142,052.65. Trading volumes increased to 666 million shares on Tuesday compared to 609 million shares the previous day. The total value of traded shares was around Rs 42.9 billion, slightly lower than the Rs 50.5 billion recorded on Monday.
The top trading companies included Cnergyico with 53.7 million shares at Rs 7.39 each, Pak Int. Bulk with 50.6 million shares at Rs 10.44, and Bank of Punjab trading 30.6 million shares at Rs 13.90. Nestle Pakistan Limited saw the highest price gain, jumping Rs 242.26 to close at Rs 7,907.56 per share.
On the downside, PIA Holding Company Limited suffered the largest loss, falling Rs 708.25 to close at Rs 26,832.75, followed by Unilever Pakistan Foods, which dropped Rs 161.66 to Rs 33,225.67. Despite these declines, the overall market sentiment remains strongly positive.