PSX: Average daily traded volume up 49.5%WoW

Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) continued its bullish momentum during the week, driven by investor optimism following the announcement of IMF Executive Board approval, for the third tranche of US$1.0 billion under EFF and US$200 million under RSF for Pakistan. Sentiments were further boosted after ECC’s decision to adjust OMC and dealer margins on MS and HSD based on national CPI, capped between 5-10% and Incremental electricity package announced by government for industries and agriculture. The benchmark index gained 2,779 points during the week, up 1.7%WoW, to close at an historic high of 169,865 points.

Market participation strengthened by 49.5%WoW with average daily traded volume up to 1.3 billion shares, from 863 million shares in the prior week.

On the macroeconomic front, Workers’ Remittances for November 2025 were reported at US$3.2 billion, up 9%YoY.

Auto sector sales for November 2025 witnessed a surge of 41% YoY, to 19,635 units.

Foreign exchange reserves held by State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) increased by US$12 million to US$14.6 billion as of December 05, 2025. PKR appreciated by 0.04%WoW against the greenback during the week to 280.32 PKR/ US$.

Other major news flow during the week included, 1) ADB okays loan for Karachi-Rohri section, 2) Reko Diq’s US$7 billion deal deepens Pakistan-US economic links, 3) GoP clears PKR659.6 billion power debt, 4) Cabinet approves diversion of 45 LNG cargoes, and 5) Revenue collection grows 27%YoY to PKR12 trillion during FY25.

Textile Spinning, Engineering, Synthetic & Rayon, Textile Composite and Glass & Ceramics were amongst the top performing sectors, while Leather & Tanneries, Jute, Leasing Companies, Refinery and Vanaspati & Allied Industries were amongst the laggards.

Major buying was recorded by Mutual Funds with a net buy of US$22.7 million. Insurance Companies were major sellers with net sell of US$22.6 million.

Top performing scrips of the week were: NML, KAPCO, MLCF, ISL, and LOTCHEM, while laggards included: SRVI, HUMNL, TRG, HINOON, and SAZEW.

AKD Securities foresees the momentum in the benchmark index to continue given successful third tranche disbursement under the EFF & RSF, 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.

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

PSX creates new highs every week

Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) continued its bullish momentum throughout the week ended November 08, 2024 with the benchmark index closing at 93,291 points, up by 2.7%WoW, achieving it’s highest ever closing.

The momentum was fuelled by State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) accelerating the pace of monetary easing with 250bps cut resulting in policy rate to end at 15% as inflation continues to fall towards the central bank medium term target range, providing impetus to cyclical sectors.

MSCI added eight Pakistani scrips while removing one from its MSCI FM Small Cap Index as part of its November review.

Furthermore, an IMF mission is scheduled to arrive Pakistan for the first review of the US$7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF), which was originally due in March 2025 but will take place four months ahead of schedule.

Cement offtakes for October 2024 was reported at 4.36 million tons, up 9%YoY. 

Workers’ remittance remained robust and reported at US$3.0 billion for October 2024, taking 4MFY25 remittances to US$11.8 billion (up 35%YoY).

Foreign exchange reserves held by SBP increased by US$18 million WoW to US$11.2 billion as of November 01, 2024.

Average daily trading volume rose to 896.1 million shares from 682.8 million shares traded a week ago, up 31.2%WoW.

On the currency front, PKIR largely remained stable against the greenback throughout the week.

Other major news flow during the week included: 1) Qatar to invest US$3 billion in diverse sectors 2) exports up 13.45%YoY to U$10.88 billion during first four months of the current financial year, 3) Eurobond sale planned for the next financial year, 4) Tax exemptions in FY24 amounted to PKR3.8 trillion, and 5) GoP to raise PKR8.7 trillion debt to pay maturing loans.

Refinery, Exchange traded fund, Jute, Mutual Funds and Paper & Board were amongst the top performers, Synthetic & Rayon, Tobacco, Real Estate Investment Trust, Banks & Leather & Tanneries.

Major net selling was recorded by Individuals with a net sell of US$13.6 million. Mutual Funds emerged major buyers with net a net buy of US$22.0 million.

Top performing scrips of the week were: PIBTL, HCAR, BOP, PKGS. and FCEPL, while top laggards included: SCBPL, IBFL, FABL, SRVI, and HBL.

Continuation of monetary easing due to disinflationary environment and improving macroeconomic environment is likely to make investment in equities more appealing.

Aforementioned factors, along with declining external financing requirement under the IMF program, would keep foreigners’ interest alive.

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

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