Investor confidence returned strongly to the Pakistan Stock Exchange on February 26, 2026, as the KSE-100 index surged 4,266 points in a broad-based rally driven by fertilizer, energy, and banking stocks.
The benchmark index opened at 164,815 points and quickly gained upward momentum. By mid-session, aggressive buying pushed the market to an intraday peak of 169,374 points. The index finally settled at 168,893 points.
What Drove the Rally?
Market analysts observed that institutional investors played a key role in driving the rally. FFC emerged as the top contributor, adding nearly 700 points. ENGRO followed closely, reinforcing the strength of the fertilizer sector.
Energy sector stocks HUBC and PPL maintained positive momentum, reflecting confidence in power and petroleum segments. Banking heavyweight HBL further supported the index.
Stocks That Weighed on the Market
While the broader trend remained positive, certain stocks faced selling pressure. PAKT was the largest negative contributor. Unity and Nestle also experienced declines, though their impact remained limited.
Market Outlook
The fiscal year-to-date gain of 34.44 percent indicates strong overall performance in FY2026. However, experts caution that global economic uncertainty and commodity price movements may influence upcoming sessions.
Analysts recommend selective stock picking and portfolio diversification for investors seeking long-term growth.
If macroeconomic indicators continue to improve, the KSE-100 may attempt to cross the 170,000 psychological barrier in the coming sessions.
