KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) breached the 180,000 milestone on Tuesday as the KSE-100 index gained 3,353.15 points, or 1.89 per cent, to close at a record 180,392.98, against the previous close of 177,039.83.
Market sentiment remained positive amid an improving geopolitical situation, declining oil prices and the decision of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to keep the policy rate unchanged. The index touched an intraday high of 180,503.55 and a low of 177,741.47. The KSE-30 index advanced 1,030.99 points to close at 53,921.42.
Ali Najib, deputy head of trading at Arif Habib Ltd, said the PSX extended its bullish momentum, reclaiming the 180k level for the first time since February 12, 2026. Investor appetite remained strong, particularly in banking and cyclical stocks, following the SBP’s decision to keep the policy rate unchanged.
Sentiment was further supported by improving economic fundamentals, easing regional tensions, and expectations of lower oil prices, which enhanced Pakistan’s inflation and external account outlook.
“Positive momentum is expected to continue, supported by stable policy rates, improving macro conditions, easing tensions and softer oil prices, though intermittent profit-taking may occur after the recent rally,” Najib said.
Ready market turnover rose 23.92 per cent to 1,224.4 million shares from 988.08 million shares in the previous session. Traded value increased 10.62 per cent to Rs70.22 billion from Rs63.48 billion, while market capitalisation climbed 1.62 per cent to Rs20.05 trillion from Rs19.73 trillion.
Market breadth remained positive, with 304 stocks advancing against 165 declining and 28 unchanged.Among the top gainers, PIA Holding Company Limited rose Rs168.43 to close at Rs18,037.43, while Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited added Rs143 to close at Rs25,869. On the downside, Sapphire Textile Mills Limited shed Rs48 to close at Rs1,452, and Hoechst Pakistan Limited declined Rs33 to close at Rs4,002.
According to Topline Sales Desk, the local bourse witnessed a bullish trading session, with bulls firmly dominating the market throughout the day as improving global cues fuelled aggressive buying across key sectors.
The bullish momentum was largely driven by easing international crude oil prices, which significantly improved investor sentiment. Adding further optimism to the market was the growing anticipation surrounding the MoU signing ceremony of a peace agreement between Iran and the US, reportedly scheduled for Friday, which boosted hopes of reduced geopolitical tensions in the region and enhanced risk appetite among investors.
On the index contribution front, index heavyweights UBL, ENGROH, BAHL, NBP and PPL emerged as the primary drivers of upside momentum, collectively contributing 1,663 points to the benchmark’s gain.
Lotte Chemical led ready market turnover with 108.12 million shares, declining 17 paisas to close at Rs28.52, followed by Pak Int. Bulk with 49.52 million shares, rising 39 paisas to close at Rs18.35. Other most-traded stocks were Siddiqsons Tin, Sui South Gas, K-Electric Ltd, Bank of Punjab, WorldCall Telecom, TPL Corp Ltd, TPL Properties and Maple Leaf.In the futures market, 313 contracts were traded, with 229 increasing in value, 77 declining and 7 unchanged.
