KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange witnessed a strong bullish trend, driven by improving regional geopolitical conditions, positive economic indicators, and expectations of financial inflows.
Investor sentiment was boosted after remarks attributed to former U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting progress in a potential U.S.–Iran agreement, along with expectations of an early IMF disbursement of $1.2 billion.
Economic data showing a $107 million current account surplus and 6.4% growth in large-scale manufacturing also contributed to market optimism.
As a result, the benchmark index surged by 4,027 points, closing at 173,939 points, with intraday gains pushing it past multiple psychological barriers including 170,000, 171,000, 172,000, and 173,000 levels.
Around 73% of listed shares recorded gains, while market capitalization increased by over Rs 448 billion.
Analysts also linked the rally to easing global crude oil concerns, rising IT exports, and improved macroeconomic outlook.
Meanwhile, gold prices declined in both international and domestic markets amid profit-taking. In the global bullion market, gold dropped by $33 to $4,792 per ounce. Locally, per tola gold fell by Rs 3,300 to Rs 501,562, while 10 grams declined by Rs 2,829 to Rs 430,008.
The Pakistani rupee also strengthened slightly against the US dollar. In the interbank market, the dollar fell by 3 paisa to close at Rs 278.92, while in the open market it settled at Rs 280.20.
