PSX Extends Gains by 248 Points Amid Oil Price Relief

News Desk
KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) eked out marginal gains for the second consecutive session on Tuesday, as value hunters stepped in to capitalize on lower valuations despite lingering economic and geopolitical uncertainties.
Market activity remained under pressure earlier in the session following a recent surge in domestic petrol and diesel prices, which escalated business operating costs and stoked broader inflationary anxieties across the national economy.
According to Topline Securities Ltd, the benchmark KSE-100 index closed the trading session at 171,402.08 points, registering an increase of 248.92 points, or 0.15 percent. During intraday trading, the index fluctuated between a high of 171,680.74 and a low of 170,866.94 points.
Market sentiment drew vital support from softening international crude oil prices and growing expectations of a potential US-Iran diplomatic de-escalation, which temporarily eased concerns regarding Pakistan’s import bill and external account stability.
Despite these external reliefs, persistent domestic headwinds kept institutional investors and retail traders cautious, capping broader market rallies.
Major index drivers included Mari Energies, Pakistan Petroleum, Hub Power, Fauji Cement Company Ltd, and Lucky Cement, which collectively injected 233 points into the market.
Conversely, profit-taking and selling pressure in heavyweight scrips such as Bank Al-Habib, Fauji Fertiliser, and MCB Bank shaved approximately 172 points off the index, underscoring the delicate balance between buying interest and economic anxiety.
Market analysts note that upcoming corporate earnings announcements and further clarity on macroeconomic indicators will dictate the near-term trajectory of the bourse.
While easing global commodity prices offer a temporary cushion, sustaining the upward momentum will heavily depend on structural fiscal reforms, stable energy tariffs, and successful adherence to ongoing international monetary program targets.