PSX Benchmark KSE-100 Index Surpasses 138,000 Mark

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) saw sustained positive momentum as the benchmark KSE-100 Index exceeded the 138,000 threshold for the first time during Thursday’s trading session.

As of 11:45am, the benchmark index stood at 138,096.64, reflecting an upswing of 1,716.68 points, which translates to a 1.26% increase.

Purchasing activity was evident across significant sectors, including automobile manufacturing, cement, fertilizer, oil and gas exploration, oil marketing companies (OMCs), power generation, and refineries. Key stocks such as ARL, HUBCO, PSO, SNGPL, MARI, OGDC, POL, UBL, and NBP were all trading positively.

On Wednesday, the PSX maintained its positive trajectory as investors selectively secured profits while expressing ongoing interest in key growth-oriented sectors. The KSE-100 Index experienced a rise of 440 points, or 0.32%, settling at 136,380 points, compared to the previous closing figure of 135,939.87 points.

Global Market Overview

In global markets, Asian stocks displayed hesitancy on Thursday as investors awaited earnings reports from major technology firms and remained concerned about the uncertain status of Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell.

TSMC, a leading producer of advanced AI chips worldwide, is anticipated to reveal a substantial surge in second-quarter profits, potentially reaching record levels. However, US tariffs and a strong Taiwan dollar could impact its outlook.

The financial performance of streaming giant Netflix, also due later on Thursday, is another focal point for investors.

MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan recorded a marginal increase of 0.06%, while the Nikkei experienced a decline of 0.24%.

European futures showed gains, with EUROSTOXX 50 futures increasing by 0.56%, and FTSE and DAX futures each rising by approximately 0.4%.

Conversely, Nasdaq futures and S&P 500 futures both decreased by 0.1%.

Market sentiment was also influenced by uncertainty surrounding the future of Fed Chair Powell, following initial reports suggesting that US President Donald Trump was likely to remove him from his position, which led to declines in stocks and the dollar.

Trump swiftly refuted these reports, partially restoring stability to volatile markets, but he did not rule out the possibility and reiterated his criticism of the central bank chief for not reducing interest rates.

This information reflects intraday market activity.