The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Monday opened the week on a strong note, with broad-based buying across key sectors driven by optimism over the FY2026-27 federal budget and improving geopolitical sentiment following peace agreement between the United States and Iran, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
At 9:35 am, the PSX’s benchmark KSE-100 index was hovering at 176,767.01, up by 4,367.11 points or 2.53%. However, at the close of business the index recorded a massive surge of 4,639.92 points or 2.62 percent to 177,039.82 points.
Across-the-board buying was seen in key sectors, including commercial banks, fertilizer, cement, oil and gas exploration companies, OMCs, and refinery. Index-heavy stocks, including DGKC, LUCK, HBL, MCB, MEBL, MARI, OGDC, PPL, POL and HUBCO, traded in the green.
During the previous week, the benchmark KSE-100 Index had gained 1.1% despite sharp volatility and briefly falling below the key 170,000-point level, as easing tensions between the United States and Iran and declining international oil prices improved investor sentiment and revived risk appetite.
The index advanced 1,921 points, or 1.13%, on a week-on-week basis to settle at 172,399.90 points
Investor sentiment received a major boost from the government's business-friendly FY2026-27 budget, which was widely viewed by market participants as supportive of economic growth, corporate profitability, and investment activity.
Optimism surrounding fiscal measures and continuity of economic reforms encouraged aggressive buying across banking, cement, fertilizer, and energy stocks.
Adding to the positive momentum, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that the United States and Iran had reached a peace agreement aimed at ending hostilities and restoring stability in the Middle East.
The development eased concerns over regional tensions and energy supply disruptions, improving risk appetite among investors and supporting a strong rally at the Pakistan Stock Exchange.
Reporter: Basim Iftikhar