Karachi, April 21, 2025 – The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) kicked off the week on a highly optimistic note, as the benchmark KSE-100 Index soared by over 1,000 points during Monday’s trading session. Buoyed by strong corporate earnings and persistent investor interest, the index sustained upward momentum throughout the day, closing well into positive territory.
At the closing bell, the KSE-100 Index stood at 118,383.38, reflecting a robust gain of 1,067.79 points, or 0.91%. The index had touched an intra-day high of 118,827.47, indicating strong buying pressure and widespread bullish sentiment among investors.
Market analysts attributed the rally primarily to better-than-expected quarterly financial results that spurred investor confidence. According to a note from Topline Securities, the upbeat earnings reports helped trigger a broad-based buying spree, lifting not only the benchmark index but also the overall market sentiment.
Among the day’s top performers were Meezan Bank Limited (MEBL) and Sazgar Engineering Works (SAZEW). Both companies outperformed analysts’ expectations, becoming key highlights of the session. Their strong earnings attracted heavy investor interest, significantly contributing to the market’s overall uplift.
Heavyweight stocks were central to Monday’s rally. According to Topline, blue-chip scrips including MEBL, MCB Bank, United Bank Limited (UBL), Sui Northern Gas Pipelines (SNGP), and Hub Power Company (HUBC) collectively added 827 points to the index. Their strong financials and market influence reinforced positive momentum across sectors.
The surge comes on the heels of a strong finish last Friday, when the index added 414 points. Monday’s continuation of gains underscores a market-wide expectation of sustained corporate performance and growing investor appetite for equities.
Globally, sentiment remained mixed. While the PSX flourished, Asian equities and US stock futures showed weakness. Investors appeared rattled by renewed political uncertainty in the United States, particularly concerns around the Federal Reserve’s independence. US President Donald Trump’s recent public criticism of Fed Chair Jerome Powell—and speculation over the possibility of Powell’s removal—led to a dip in US stock futures and a slump in the dollar. Meanwhile, gold prices surged to new highs, as investors turned to safe-haven assets amid uncertainty.
Back home, the Pakistani Rupee posted a slight decline, depreciating by 0.05% in inter-bank trading. The rupee closed at 280.87 against the US dollar, down 15 paisas from the previous day.
Despite external headwinds, the local bourse remained active. Volume on the all-share index surged to 672.44 million shares, a significant jump from 425.12 million in the previous session. Share value also rose to Rs36.42 billion, up from Rs34.49 billion recorded on Friday.
Cnergyico PK emerged as the volume leader with 103.03 million shares traded, followed by Power Cement with 62.59 million shares, and Bank of Punjab with 42.59 million shares.
Overall, shares of 252 companies advanced, 158 declined, while 41 remained unchanged. The widespread buying momentum suggested that investors remain optimistic heading into earnings season, with expectations that more companies will continue to report strong financial results.
The day’s performance highlights the resilience of Pakistan’s capital markets, even amid broader global uncertainty. If earnings trends continue to impress, the PSX could maintain its bullish trajectory in the sessions ahead.