Share prices inch up at Pakistan Stock Exchange

Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) continued its upward momentum during Tuesday’s trading session, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

At the close of business, the PSX’s benchmark KSE-100 Index gained 248.92 points, or 0.15%, to reach 171,402.08 points.

The market remained open with the index moving between an intraday high of 171,680.73 and a low of 171,372.29. Trading volume stood at 48.85 million shares.

Buying interest was visible across several key sectors, including automobile assemblers, cement, commercial banks, oil and gas exploration companies, power generation and refineries.

Several index-heavy stocks also traded in positive territory. ARL, HUBCO, MARI, OGDC, POL, HBL, MCB, MEBL and NBP were among the prominent stocks contributing to the market's gains.

Earlier on Monday, the PSX witnessed a range-bound and mixed trading session, as investors balanced easing international oil prices and expectations of additional Saudi crude supplies against renewed regional geopolitical tensions.

The benchmark KSE-100 Index gained 268.58 points, or 0.16%, to close at 171,153.17 points.

Internationally, technology stocks powered Asian markets higher on Tuesday as lower oil prices lifted sentiment and investors ​pinned their hopes on US-Iran talks, while the dollar stood tall on bets that more hikes are needed to rein ‌in inflation.

Attention is also turning to a high-stakes meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping later this week, with investors watching for signs the leaders of the world’s two largest economies can prevent a further deterioration in relations.

Xi arrives in Washington on Wednesday for the first time in more than a decade amid growing optimism that ​a trade truce deal between the two nations will be extended and potential cooperation over artificial intelligence.