The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed a powerful bullish surge on Thursday, with the benchmark KSE-100 index posting a substantial gain. Investor confidence propelled the market to close significantly higher, marking a standout session for equities.
Market Performance and Key Metrics
According to the official data released by the PSX, the KSE-100 index closed at 176,355.49 points. This represents a robust increase of 2,301.17 points or a 1.32 percent positive change from the previous day's close of 174,054.32 points. The rally was broad-based and supported by strong trading activity across the board.
The ready market saw a trading volume of 1,402.650 million shares, with a total traded value soaring to Rs48.424 billion. This was a notable jump from the previous session's volume of 957.239 million shares valued at Rs44.231 billion. Reflecting the upward momentum, the total market capitalization of the exchange expanded to Rs19.968 trillion, up from Rs19.690 trillion a day earlier.
Advancers, Decliners, and Volume Leaders
The market breadth was positive, indicating widespread buying interest. Out of the 485 active companies traded in the ready market, a majority of 337 recorded advances. In contrast, 116 companies declined, and 32 ended the session unchanged.
K-Electric Limited dominated the volume chart with a staggering 372.705 million shares changing hands. It was followed by Pak International Bulk with 139.941 million shares and Bank of Punjab with 55.418 million shares.
Top Gainers and Losers of the Session
Leading the pack of gainers was PIA Holding Company LimitedB, whose share price skyrocketed by Rs1,954.06 to close at Rs21,494.64. Pakistan Tobacco Company Limited also posted strong gains, rising by Rs57.08 to settle at Rs1,598.76.
On the flip side, Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited faced selling pressure, declining by Rs138.95 to close at Rs28,850.05. Service Industries Limited was another notable loser, falling by Rs27.53 to end the day at Rs1,547.47.
Futures Market Activity
The bullish sentiment extended to the futures market as well. The turnover there stood at 307.047 million shares with a traded value of Rs12.024 billion. This compared favorably with the previous session's 206.329 million shares worth Rs11.811 billion.
Out of 313 companies in the futures segment, 230 recorded gains, 77 declined, and six remained flat. The futures contracts led by KEL-JAN saw trading of 85.582 million shares, followed by PIBTL-JAN with 49.455 million shares and BOP-JAN with 24.514 million shares.
This significant uptick underscores a day of strong investor optimism, driving key indices and market valuations to higher levels, reinforcing positive sentiment in Pakistan's financial landscape.
