The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) closed the week on a strong note on Friday, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index posting a healthy gain of nearly 1,500 points, driven mainly by fertilizer, energy, and blue-chip stocks amid robust investor participation.
According to the official market summary, the index opened at 187,926.50 points and maintained positive momentum throughout the trading session. Early buying helped the market climb steadily, with the benchmark touching an intraday high of 189,566.64 points. The day’s low was recorded at 186,637.57 points before the index settled at 189,166.83 points at close.
The net increase of 1,478.66 points marked a 0.79 percent gain, reflecting sustained investor confidence and continued strength in Pakistan’s equity market.
Strong liquidity supports rally
Trading activity remained healthy, with index constituent volumes reaching 407.93 million shares. Analysts noted that institutional buying and steady retail participation kept the market firmly in positive territory throughout the day.
Market experts believe the improving macroeconomic outlook, easing inflationary pressures, and stable exchange rate trends are encouraging investors to re-enter equities.
Performance indicators further underline the strength of the market. The KSE-100 has delivered an impressive 50.58 percent fiscal year-to-date (FYTD) return, while calendar year-to-date (CYTD) gains stand at 8.68 percent.
Fertilizer stocks lead gains
Fertilizer companies dominated the leaderboard, with Fauji Fertilizer Company (FFC) emerging as the biggest contributor to the index. The stock alone added 1,514.19 points, reflecting strong buying interest backed by expectations of stable earnings and attractive dividends.
Other key gainers included:
EFERT: +204.24 points
POL: +194.37 points
HUBC: +158.42 points
ENGROH: +134.38 points
These heavyweights provided broad support to the market and offset losses in selected banking and exploration stocks.
Energy, banking stocks lag
On the flip side, some shares faced selling pressure. Profit-taking in select oil exploration and banking names limited the upside.
Major draggers were:
PIOC: -137.83 points
OGDC: -101.34 points
UBL: -89.91 points
NBP: -76.30 points
PPL: -72.07 points
Despite these declines, the overall market direction remained positive.
Outlook
Analysts suggest the bullish momentum could continue if corporate earnings remain strong and foreign inflows increase. Investors are expected to maintain focus on defensive and dividend-yielding stocks.
Friday’s performance signals renewed optimism, with the KSE-100 appearing well-positioned to challenge higher levels in upcoming sessions.