Saturday, 2 August 2025

PSX benchmark index up 1.31%WoW

Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) benchmark index closed at an all-time high of 141,035 points, up 1,828 points or 1.31%WoW on Friday, August 01, 2025.

The positive momentum was driven by conclusion of trade deal between the United States and Pakistan including focus on developing Pakistan’s oil reserves, coupled with officials commenting that government is all set to disburse the PKR1.3 trillion amount, secured from commercial banks, by next week.

This triggered gains in the E&P and OMC sectors. The said development overshadowed the subdued performance of initial days over monetary policy committee (MPC) announcement uncertainty, in which MPC maintained a status quo on policy rate over inflation concerns.

Despite the index’s upward momentum, market participation declined, with average daily traded volumes falling 11.6%WoW to 562 million shares, compared to 635 million shares a week ago.

On the macroeconomic front, US announced reduced tariffs on Pakistani exports at 19%, down from the previously imposed 29%.

Headline inflation for July 25 inched up to 4.1%YoY, as compared to 3.2%YoY a month ago.

Pakistani Rupee appreciated for a second consecutive week by 0.26%WoW, supported by government efforts to curb down on the illicit Fx market.

Foreign exchange reserves by State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) declined by US$153 million to US$14.3 billion as of Jul 25, 2025.

Other major news flow during the week included: 1) FBR collected PKR755 billion against a target of PKR748 billion, 2) Yarn, grey cloth, raw cotton removed from EFS purview, 3) SBP bought US$6.7 billion from the interbank market in 10MFY25, 4) GoP imposed PKR238/ mmbtu levy on gas for captive power plants, and 5) GoP slashed petrol price but hiked high-speed diesel.

Jute, E&P, and OMC were amongst the top performing sectors, while Vanaspati & allied industries, Woollen, and Property were among the laggards.

Major selling was recorded by Banks and Foreigners with a net sell of US$5.0 million and US$4.5 million, respectively. Mutual funds absorbed most of the selling with a net buy of US$10.9 million.

Top performing scrips of the week were: BWCL, OGDC, SYS, PPL, and PSO, while laggards included: EPCL, BNWM, JVDC, PSEL, and MEHT.

According to AKD Securities, PSX is expected to remain positive in the coming weeks, with further developments over circular debt expected to drive the market along with upcoming corporate results.

The benchmark index is anticipated to remain on upward trajectory, with a target of 165,215 points by end December 2025.

Market will be primarily driven by strong earnings in Fertilizers, sustained ROEs in Banks, and improving cash flows of E&Ps and OMCs, benefiting from falling interest rates and economic stability.

Top picks of the brokerage house include: OGDC, PPL, PSO, FFC, ENGROH, MCB, HBL, FCCL, KOHC, INDU, and SYS.

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