KARACHI: The KSE-100 Index kicked off the new year on a bullish note, hitting fresh all-time highs in the first trading session of 2025. The benchmark index closed higher, buoyed by optimism over improving economic indicators and a newly announced five-year economic growth plan.
The Pakistan Stock Exchange’s (PSX) benchmark KSE-100 index surged by 1,881.18 points or 1.63 per cent to 117,008.08 points against 115,126.9 points recorded in the last session. The highest index of the day remained at 117,341.03 points, while the lowest level was recorded at 114,719.89 points.
Ahsan Mehanti, an analyst at Arif Habib Corp, said, “Stocks closed higher in the earnings season rally at the PSX as investors eye cut in the SBP key policy rate amid thin inflation, robust economic indicators and rupee stability after disbursements under the IMF programme.”
He said that surging exports, an external account surplus, and higher global crude oil prices played a catalyst role in the bullish close at the PSX. The KSE-30 index increased by 682.43 points or 1.89 per cent to 36,864.84 points against 36,182.41 points.
Traded shares decreased by 280 million shares to 956.274 million shares from 1,236.873 million shares. The trading value rose to Rs46.44 billion from Rs44.218 billion. Market capital expanded to Rs14.669 trillion against Rs14.495 trillion. Of the 462 companies active in the session, 258 closed in green, 161 in red and 43 remained unchanged.
Analyst Naveed Nadeem at Topline Securities said the KSE-100 surged to a historic high of 117,008, reflecting a notable gain of 1,881 points or 1.63 per cent. The market maintained an upward trajectory, supported by strong buying activity from local institutions.
FFC, LUCK, HUBC, HMB and MTL were key contributors to the index’s rise, adding 936 points together.The highest increase was recorded in Hallmark Company Limited, which rose by Rs91.47 to Rs1,006.17 per share, followed by Lucky Cement Limited, which increased by Rs87.17 to Rs1,187.66 per share. A significant decline was noted in Hoechst Pakistan Limited, which fell by Rs79.76 to Rs2,720.24 per share; Pakistan Tobacco Company Limited followed it, which closed lower by Rs54.76 to Rs1,277.03 per share.
Brokerage Arif Habib Ltd stated that Pakistan’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) for December 2024 rose by 4.1 per cent YoY, marking the lowest inflation rate since April 2018. This resulted in H1FY25 average inflation of 7.2 per cent, a sharp decline compared to 28.8 per cent in H1FY24. The easing inflationary pressures have boosted investor sentiment, providing further momentum to the market’s upward trajectory. On December 31, the government unveiled an ambitious five-year economic plan targeting GDP growth of 6.0 per cent and exports of $50 billion by the end of the period.
The plan focuses on improving infrastructure, boosting industrial productivity, and enhancing export competitiveness to drive sustainable economic growth.With a positive start to the year, the KSE-100 is well-positioned to extend its gains through January, supported by favourable macroeconomic trends and policy measures aimed at stabilizing growth, stated the brokerage.
Investors remain optimistic as the market continues to reflect confidence in Pakistan’s economic recovery and long-term growth potential. Cnergyico PK remained the volume leader with 71.999 million shares, which closed lower by 19 paisas to Rs7.66 per share. Pak Int Bulk, with 62.831 million shares, followed it, which closed lower by 8 paisas to Rs9.3 per share.
Other significant turnover stocks included BO Punjab, Pace (Pak) Ltd., Aisha Steel Mill, Fauji Foods Ltd, WorldCall Telecom, Maple Leaf, Pak Elektron and Pak Refinery. In the futures market, 298 companies recorded trading, 216 of which increased, 77 decreased and 5 remained unchanged.