Karachi, April 18, 2025 – The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) wrapped up the final trading session of the week on an optimistic note, as the benchmark KSE-100 Index recorded a gain of 414.45 points or 0.35%, closing at 117,315.58. Investor confidence remained upbeat throughout the session, driven by strong sectoral performances and resilient macroeconomic indicators.
The day’s trading session showcased significant market activity, with the index moving within a wide range of 1,129.06 points. The intraday low touched 116,759.07, while the market climbed to a high of 117,888.13, reflecting the high hopes pinned on improving earnings and policy signals.
Trading Volume and Market Breadth
The KSE-100 Index recorded a trading volume of 212.79 million shares, indicating sustained interest among investors. Out of the 100 index-listed companies, 51 closed in the green, 47 ended lower, and 2 remained unchanged, showing a relatively balanced market breadth.
Top Performers and Decliners
On the winners’ list, PGLC led the way with a sharp increase of +10.01%, followed by UBL at +9.61%, SAZEW with +6.83%, KTML at +4.80%, and INIL closing up by +3.86%. These companies were among the day’s top performers, pushing the index higher with strong price momentum.
Conversely, key laggards included EPCL (-5.53%), HBL (-3.63%), FFC (-2.11%), JDWS (-1.89%), and TPLRF1 (-1.88%), which collectively pulled the index lower.
Index Movers and Sector Contributions
The top positive index-point contributors were United Bank Limited (UBL) with a significant contribution of +688.65 points, followed by Sazgar Engineering (SAZEW +58.79 pts), Systems Limited (SYS +43.74 pts), Meezan Bank (MEBL +40.46 pts), and Lucky Cement (LUCK +38.18 pts).
On the flip side, the major drag came from Fauji Fertilizer Company (FFC) which shaved off 209.85 points, Habib Bank Limited (HBL -106.99 pts), Engro Fertilizers (EFERT -57.56 pts), Pakistan State Oil (PSO -46.69 pts), and Engro Polymer (ENGROH -27.05 pts).
From a sectoral perspective, the index was buoyed by strong performance in Commercial Banks (+690.26 pts), Cement (+83.13 pts), Automobile Assemblers (+71.17 pts), Technology & Communication (+34.71 pts), and Textile Composite (+23.35 pts).
However, some sectors weighed negatively on the index, particularly Fertilizer (-277.50 pts), Oil & Gas Exploration Companies (-61.11 pts), Oil Marketing Companies (-57.88 pts), Chemicals (-25.55 pts), and Investment Banks/Securities Companies (-21.01 pts).
All-Share Index and Broader Market Activity
The broader All-Share Index also posted gains, ending the session at 73,347.84, up 320.68 points or 0.44%. The total market volume surged to 425.12 million shares, up from 408.07 million in the previous session. The traded value climbed to Rs34.50 billion, marking an increase of Rs2.37 billion.
Across the board, 302,494 trades were recorded involving 446 listed companies, with 189 closing up, 197 declining, and 60 remaining unchanged.
Top Ten by Volume
Among the most traded stocks by volume were:
- SSGC (42.47, +4.02%) – 38.2 million shares
- PIBTL (10.61, +1.73%) – 31 million shares
- KEL (4.53, +2.03%) – 22.9 million shares
- CNERGY (8.54, +0.12%) – 17.5 million shares
- MLCF (65.51, +1.46%) – 12.8 million shares
Market Overview and Yearly Gains
The KSE-100 Index has shown considerable strength over the longer term, posting a gain of 38,871 points or 49.55% during the current fiscal year. So far in the calendar year, the index has increased by 2,189 points or 1.90%, reflecting positive investor sentiment amid improved economic data and corporate earnings.
As the PSX moves into the new week, market participants will be closely watching upcoming earnings announcements, economic indicators, and policy cues, particularly in sectors like banking, manufacturing, and energy. With a resilient close and a broad-based rally, investor optimism appears to be on the rise.