As the fears of Brexit started easing benchmark of Pakistan Stock Exchange, PSX‐100 Index managed to close at 37,784 for the week ended on Thursday. Friday was a holiday on account of last Friday of Holy month of Ramadan.
Foreign selling also continued, though with much lesser magnitude reported at US$3.61 million during the week as compared to US$20.56 million a week ago. Ramadan factor eclipsed MSCI EM upgrade as the benchmark index barely crossed pre‐MSCI level of 37,518.
Average daily traded volumes fell by 8%WoW to 143 million shares as compared 155 million share due to trading curtailed to four day. Leaders during the week under review included FATIMA, HCAR, DAWH, AICL and ABL, while laggards included MTL, NML, AGTL, FFC and FFBL.
Key developments during the week included: 1) Ogra recommending an upward revision in per liter prices of HSD by Rs3.75 to Rs79.27 and motor gasoline petrol by Rs1.93 to Rs66.20, despite crude oil prices easing in the international markets, 2) ADB approving a US$600 million loan to help Pakistan roll out major structural reforms to improve the performance and financial sustainability of its PSEs, 3) the book‐building process for the IPO of TPL Properties has raised Rs696.8 million at the strike price of Rs12.50/share, 4) LSM posting a growth of 3.92%YoY in the 10MFY16 reflecting a partial revival in the industrial output, and 5) KEL submitting a Multi‐Year Tariff petition with Nepra seeking an increase in tariff by Rs0.66/unit in the name of O&M component for ten years commencing from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2026 and has also sought a change in claw‐back formula threshold.
Though Brexit fears eased in the outgoing week, volatility is expected to remain relatively higher due to unfolding developments in the process. Nonetheless, re‐rating associated with the MSCI EM upgrade will likely provide impetus to the Index. Additionally, the end of Ramadan will mark return of volumes out of dormancy to normal levels. Keeping in view marker dynamics analysts recommend taking new positions in main blue chips that will likely make way into MSCI EM list that OGDC, HBL, MCB, UBL, LUCK, ENGRO, FFC, HUBC and PSO.
Latest banking sector data released by State Bank of Pakistan for May'16 indicates that banks' balance sheet continued to grow at strong levels, up 19%YoY, to Rs12.1 trillion. While private sector credit growth has not been substantial on account of bank's continued preference for risk‐free government securities (banks' lending to government grew by more than 29%YoY in May'16, posting growth of 8.2%YoY in May'16 alone. However, consumer financing grew by 9.3%YoY to 7.7% of the private sector loans as banks look to re‐focus on high margin auto finance and personal loans in the current lower inflationary environment. Spreads are likely to bottom out on possible monetary tightening in CY17. Analysts retain our liking for banks that offer: 1) superior ROE profile, 2) keen focus on growing low cost current accounts, 3) diversified income streams and 4) ability and reach to capture CPEC related investments.
