Showing posts with label internal noise. Show all posts
Showing posts with label internal noise. Show all posts

Friday, 16 January 2026

PSX benchmark index up 0.4%WoW despite volatility

Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) experienced volatility throughout the week, driven by geopolitical tensions. However, a positive momentum prevailed as geopolitical dust settled along with news of defence export deals with multiple regional partners and encouraging macro developments. The benchmark Index witnessed a weekly gain of 689 points or 0.4%WoW to close at 185,099 points on Friday January 16, 2026.

Market participation declined by 24.5%WoW with average daily trading slipping to 1.2 billion shares, from 1.6 billion shares in the prior week.

On the macroeconomic front, LSM index increased by 10.4%YoY in November 2025 while posting growth of 6%YoY during 5MFY26.

In the latest PIB auction, yields declined on all the tenors.

Fertilizer sector marked the highest ever annual urea sales in CY25.

Auto sales reported at 17,000 units in December 2025, down 6%YoY.

Foreign exchange reserves held by State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) increased by US$16 million to US$16.1 billion as of January 09, 2025.

PKR appreciated against the greenback during the week to 279.95 PKR/ US$.

Other major news flow during the week included: 1) Turkey confirms talks on defence pact with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, 2) Petrol, diesel prices to remain unchanged for next fortnight due to the increase in Petroleum Levy, 3) Pakistan announces plan to develop Port Qasim into climate-resilient industrial complex 4) Pakistan, Saudi Arabia eye joint mining investments at Future Minerals Forum, and 5) Government announces plan 6,000 acre Export Processing Zone on Pakistan Steel Mills land.

Transport, Paper & Board, Oil & Gas Exploration Companies, Property, Automobile Parts & Accessories were amongst the top performers, while Synthetic & Rayon, Jute, Miscellaneous, Textile Weaving, and Textile Spinning were amongst the laggards.

During the week, major buying was recorded by Individuals and Mutual Funds with a net buy of US$16.1 million and US$12.8 million, respectively. Banks and Insurance Companies were major sellers with net sell of US$23.5 million and US$15.8 million, respectively.

Top performing scrips of the week were: ATLH, AKBL, LOTHCEM, OGDC, and JVDC, while laggards included IBFL, SAZEW, AICL, PABC, and YOUW.

AKD Securities foresees the positive momentum at PSX to continue due to further monetary easing driven by improving external account position and continuous focus on reforms amid political stability.

The brokerage house forecast the benchmark Index to reach 263,800 by end December 2026.

Investors’ sentiments are expected to improve on the likelihood of foreign portfolio and direct investment flows, driven by improved relations with the United States and Saudi Arabia.

Top picks of the brokerage house include: OGDC, PPL, UBL, MEBL, HBL, FFC, ENGROH, PSO, LUCK, FCCL, INDU, ILP and SYS.