PSX benchmark index closes at highest ever 171,960 level on Thursday

Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) continued its bullish momentum during the week ended on December 19, 2025. The benchmark index achieved its highest ever closing on Thursday, at 171,960 points, witnessed some profit taking on Friday, closing the week at 171,404 points, up 1,539 points or 0.91%WoW. Market participation weakened by 5.6%WoW with average daily traded volume down to 1.2 billion shares, from 1.3 billion shares in the prior week.

Investors’ optimism was boosted following the announcement of a surprise 50bps rate cut by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), as against market’s anticipation of status quo. Sentiments were further boosted after current account recorded a surplus of US$100 million for November 2025.

On the macroeconomic front, Textile exports for 5MFY26 increased by 3%YoY to US$7.8 billion, whereas, Petroleum imports declined by 2%YoY to US$6.4 billion.

Foreign exchange reserves held by SBP increased by US$1.3 billion to US$15.9 billion as of December 12, 2025 after receiving IMF’s disbursement under the EFF and RSF.

Other major news flow during the week included: 1) Finance Minister rules out mini budget; insists revenue gap to be met via tax compliance, 2) Pakistan and Uzbekistan agree to extend PTA, 3) Pakistan seeks oil deal with Russia, 4) SIFC prioritizes brownfield refinery upgrades, and 5) Pakistan, China advance talks on US$2.2 billion industrial complex at Port Qasim.

Jute, Real Estate Investment Trust, Commercial Banks, Close – End Mutual Fund and Engineering were amongst the top performing sectors, while Woollen, Modarabas, Synthetic & Rayon, Textile Spinning and Vanaspati & Allied Industries were amongst the laggards.

Major buying was recorded by Individuals with a net buy of US$16.7 million, while foreigners and Insurance were major sellers with net sell of US$12.7 million and US$8.2 million, respectively.

Top performing scrips of the week were: RMPL, PIBTL, NBP, UBL, and DCR, while laggards included: SSGC, BNWM, PIOC, IBFL, and PGLC.

AKD Securities foresees the momentum in the benchmark index to continue given successful third tranche disbursement under the EFF & RSF, monetary easing environment, minimal flood impact and improved credit ratings by global agencies amid falling fixed income yields.

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

This outlook is supported by the lack of alternative investment avenues and the attractive valuation of local equities, at a multiple of 8.1x while offering a dividend yield of 6.5%.

The top picks of the brokerage house include: MEBL, MCB, HBL, OGDC, PPL, PSO, ENGROH, LUCK, DGKC, FCCL, ILP and INDU.

PSX daily trading volume up 30.6%WoW

Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) started the week on a strong note, with KSE-100 index reaching its highest-ever closing at 90,864 points on Tuesday, closing the week ended on November 01. 2024 at 90,859, up by 0.96%WoW. Average daily traded volume was up 30.6%WoW to 649.2 million shares, from 497.1 million shares traded a week ago.

The momentum was fueled by anticipated continuation of monetary easing and the country reporting its first-ever quarterly budget surplus in over 20 years of PKR1.7 trillion during 1QFY25, coupled with strong corporate results.

Regrettably, Pakistan missed two of the IMF's quarterly targets: tax collection marking a shortfall of PKR90 billion, and cash surplus for the provinces, marking a shortfall of PKR182 billion.

CPI for the month was reported at 7.2%YoY, with real interest rate comfortably above 10% at current policy rate levels.

Trade deficit for October 2024 was reported at US$1.4 billion, with exports for the month at US$2.97 billion, up 4.9%MoM.

Foreign exchange reserves held by State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) increased by US$116 million WoW at US$11.15 billion as of October 25, 2024.

On the currency front, PKR largely remained stable against the greenback throughout the week, closing the week at PKR277.7 to a US$.

Other major news flow during the week included: 1) Prime Minister visited Saudi Arabia and Qatar, 2) Saudi Arabia likely to finalize US$1.2 billion oil facility by end December this year, 3) Germany seeks COAS help over IPP deal termination, 4) MoUs signed with Pakistan increased to 34 and 5) T-Bills yields slip by 64-140bps ahead of inflation data.

Pharmaceutical, Wollen, and Leasing Companies were amongst the top performing sectors, while Inv.Banks/ Inv.Cos/ Securities Companies, Leather & Tanneries, and Engineering were amongst the laggards.

Major net selling was recorded by Banks/DFI with a net sell of US$13.0 million. Insurance and Mutual Funds absorbed most of the selling with an aggregate net buy of US$12.3 million.

Top performing scrips of the week were: GLAXO, CHCC, NCPL, SYS, and KAPCO, while top laggards included: KOSM, NBP, PKGS, MUGHAL, and SRVI.

Market is expected to remain positive, with primary focus on the upcoming Monetary Policy Committee meeting, where an anticipated rate cut could further bolster market momentum.

Despite the recent rally, valuations remain attractive, with the market trading at a P/E of 4.0x and offering a dividend yield of 11.4%.

AKD Securities recommend focusing on sectors that stand to benefit from monetary easing and structural reforms, particularly high-dividend-yield stocks that are likely to re-rate as yields converge with fixed-income returns.

Top picks of the brokerage house include: OGDC, PPL, MCB, UBL, MEBL, FFC, PSO, LUCK, MLCF, FCCL and INDU.

 

 

 

PSX benchmark index up 3.5%WoW

Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) continued its positive momentum, buoyed by last week’s key catalysts of interest rate cut and Pakistan’s inclusion on the IMF executive board agenda. Consequently, the benchmark index reached an all-time high, closing at 82,074 points with a weekly gain of 2,741 points, up 3.5%WoW.

Overall, the bullish sentiment was predominantly driven by high-dividend-yielding sectors including Banks, E&P, and Fertilizers, as falling fixed-income yields led to a rerating of these sectors.

Current account balance for August 2024 posted a surplus of US$75 million, largely underpinned by a 40%YoY increase in remittances. Additionally, exports also remained higher during the month, with growth largely supported by an annual increase of 13% in Textile and 40% in Food exports.

Subsequently, LSMI activity also rose by 2.4%YoY in July 2924, with Textiles and Food driving output expansion.

The GoP reduced POL prices for the fourth consecutive time, lowering these by over PKR80/liter compared to same period last year. This consistent decline in POL prices is expected to further alleviate inflationary pressures.

The rejection of all bids in recent T-Bills auction and the less-than-target acceptance in the PIB auction, along with declining yields, would potentially shift liquidity toward equities.

On the international front, the US Federal Reserve cut interest rates after four years by 50bps.

Market participation declined by 22.6%WoW, with the average daily traded volume dropping to 469 million shares from 607 million shares in the earlier week.

On the currency front, PKR largely remained stable against the greenback, closing the week at 277.8/US$.

Other major news flows during the week included: 1) ADB assures Pakistan US$2 billion annually in loans, 2) FDI rises to US$350 million in first two months of the current financial year, 3) Power demand slumps 17%YoY in August, and 4) In PIBs auction PKR111 billion was raised against PKR200 billion target.

Top performing sectors were Pharmaceuticals, Commercial Banks, and Fertilizer, while Woollen, Cable & Electrical Goods, and Engineering were amongst the laggards.

Major net selling was recorded by Foreigners with a net sell of US$23.2 million. Mutual Funds absorbed most of the selling with a net buy of US$15.5 million.

Top performing scrips of the week were: MARI, SHFA, HBL, MEBL, and MCB, while laggards included: SML, YOUW, WFUG, TGL, and PIBTL.

IMF Executive Board’s approval, along with continued monetary easing would keep equities in focus, with the market trading at an attractive P/E of 3.7x and a DY of 13.2%. The completion of the FTSE rebalancing would further boost investor confidence.

AKD Securities recommends sectors benefiting from monetary easing and structural reforms, particularly high-dividend-yielding stocks, which are expected to relate as yields align with fixed-income returns.

PSX benchmark index posts 0.55%WoW gains

During the week ended on September 13, 2024, the benchmark index of Pakistan Stock Exchange experienced volatility early in the week but gained momentum as investors anticipated a rate cut.

On Thursday, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) surprised with a 200bps reduction amid a higher than expected fall in inflation, lowering the policy rate to 17.5%. This move boosted investor sentiment.

The IMF spokesperson revealed that Pakistan has secured necessary financing assurances from development partners and will be discussed at the executive board meeting scheduled for September 25, 2024, further enhancing investor confidence. The rate cut invigorated the cyclical sector, resulting in the benchmark index closing at 79,333 points, a gain of 435 points, up 0.55%WoW.

However, a mini budget is on the cards to generate an additional PKR650 billion in tax collections, if FBR fails to meet its collection targets.

Workers remittance for August 2024 were reported at US$2.94 billion, up 40.5%YoY.

The average daily traded volume declined to 606.74 million share from 675.46 million shares a week ago, down 10.2%WoW.

On the currency front, PKR largely remained stable against the greenback throughout the week, closing the week at PKR278.14/US$.

Other major news flows during the week included: 1) FBR considering traders’ new proposal to collect advance tax, 2) Pakistan and Russia sign MoU for agricultural cooperation, 3) Petrol price likely to be slashed further by PKR12, 4) Privatization of PIA anticipated by end of October and 5) T-Bills outflows jump amid uncertainty.

Leather & Tanneries, Woollen, Tobacco, Pharmaceuticals and Property were amongst the top performing sectors, while the laggards included Leasing companies, Modarabas, Automobile parts & Accessories, Refinery & Real Estate Investment Trust.

Major net selling was recorded by Foreigners with a net sell of US$7.54 million. Individuals, mutual funds, and companies absorbed most of the selling with a net buy of US$16.38 million, respectively.

Top performing scrips of the week were: 1) SRVI, EFUG, PAKT, BNWN, and HCAR, while to laggards included MTL, PGLC, KOHC, IGIHL, and THALL.

IMF executive board approval, along with continuation of monetary easing, would keep equities in investor radar, currently trading at P/E of 3.6x and DY of 13.5%.

Aforementioned factors, along with an improving external account position and a better country credit rating, would keep foreigners’ interest alive.

AKD Securities recommends sectors that benefit from monetary easing and structural reforms. However, modest economic recovery may limit the upside for cyclicals.