International funds would divert their liquidity into shopping for Pakistan’s shares. This could merely will increase costs of shares and be worthwhile for many who already maintain shares. PHOTO: FILE
KARACHI:
Pakistan’s fairness market kicked off 2026 on a strong be aware, with the benchmark KSE-100 index surging to a contemporary all-time excessive amid broad-based shopping for and powerful liquidity.
The index closed Thursday’s session above 176,350, marking a sturdy acquire of barely over 2,300 factors, as investor sentiment was buoyed by easing inflation, expectations of accommodative financial coverage, and aggressive participation by native establishments at first of the brand new calendar yr. Banking heavyweights, power shares, and choose index leaders drove the rally, underscoring sustained confidence in Pakistan’s fairness outlook regardless of blended international cues.
On the shut of buying and selling, the benchmark KSE-100 index posted a powerful acquire of two,301.17 factors, or 1.32%, and settled at 176,355.49.
“The brand new yr started on a powerful footing because the KSE-100 index superior by 1.32% on a day-on-day foundation,” famous Arif Habib Restricted (AHL). Market breadth remained firmly constructive, with 77 shares closing greater in opposition to 23 decliners.
UBL, Oil & Fuel Growth Firm (OGDC), and Engro Holdings have been the highest contributors to index features, rising by 4.36%, 2.39%, and 1.88%, respectively. On the draw back, Methods Restricted, DG Khan Cement, and Service Industries acted as the largest drags on the index, declining by 0.49%, 1.34%, and 1.75%, respectively, it mentioned.
From a macro perspective, the December CPI inflation clocked in at 5.6% year-on-year, coming in under market expectations and lending help to the State Financial institution’s current coverage charge minimize. On the company entrance, OGDC introduced a hydrocarbon discovery at Baragzai X-10 in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, with anticipated manufacturing of 4,100 barrels of oil per day and 10.5 mmcfd of gasoline.
The three way partnership contains Pakistan Petroleum with a 30% stake and Authorities Holdings (Non-public) Restricted with a 5% curiosity. Technically, the market help has now risen to 175,000, above which greater index ranges are more likely to stay in play, added AHL.
“Pakistan Inventory Change kicked off 2026 on a strong be aware, extending the robust momentum carried over from 2025,” talked about Ok-Commerce Securities. The KSE-100 index surged 2,301 factors to shut at a brand new all-time excessive of 176,355. The rally was broad-based, led by banks, power companies, prescribed drugs, and funding banks, reflecting robust institutional participation. Banking heavyweights together with UBL, HBL, Meezan Financial institution, Financial institution AL Habib, MCB Financial institution and The Financial institution of Punjab anchored the advance, whereas OGDC, Engro Holdings, and Fortunate Cement added additional upside help, underscoring confidence throughout each cyclical and defensive performs, it mentioned.
Topline’s market overview mentioned the buying and selling session was strong on the primary day of the yr, because the KSE-100 rallied to shut at 176,355 (up by 1.32%). This positivity might be attributed to purchasing by native establishments at first of the yr. High constructive contribution to the index got here from UBL, OGDC, Engro Holdings, HBL, Fortunate Cement and Financial institution AL Habib, as they cumulatively contributed 1,207 factors, it mentioned.
