The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) opened the new week on a strong footing, driven by renewed investor confidence following record-breaking inflows of remittances. The benchmark KSE-100 index surged by 1,536.70 points or 1.34% on Monday, closing at 116,390.03—a sharp rebound after a turbulent week that saw losses due to global market jitters.
According to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), overseas Pakistani workers sent home $4.1 billion in March 2025, the highest monthly remittance figure in the country’s history. This milestone marks the first time remittance inflows have surpassed the $4-billion threshold, signaling strong support from the diaspora and providing a crucial boost to the national economy.
The announcement of the historic remittance figure triggered broad-based buying across the PSX, with sectors such as commercial banking, cement, chemicals, oil and gas exploration, refineries, and power generation all witnessing strong demand. The bullish sentiment was reflected in the day’s trading, with the KSE-100 index hitting an intraday high of 116,494.19 points before settling slightly lower at the close.
Prominent gainers included HUBCO, National Refinery (NRL), Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), Pakistan Oilfields Limited (POL), and major banking players like HBL, MEBL, NBP, and UBL—all contributing significantly to the market’s upward momentum.
Analysts point to the remittance figures as a turning point for market sentiment, especially after last week’s disappointing performance. The KSE-100 index had shed 3,938 points, or 3.3%, over the previous five trading sessions, largely due to uncertainty in global markets. Investor nerves were rattled by geopolitical developments, including tariff-related statements from U.S. President Donald Trump, which cast a shadow over emerging markets like Pakistan.
Monday’s dramatic reversal suggests that investors are regaining confidence in the country’s macroeconomic fundamentals. With foreign exchange reserves stabilizing, inflation showing signs of retreat, and a growing current account surplus, market participants are beginning to price in a more optimistic outlook for the months ahead.
Financial experts believe that sustained remittance inflows could help buffer external shocks, reduce reliance on foreign borrowing, and strengthen the rupee—all of which are positive signals for equity markets. Additionally, the SBP’s commitment to maintaining exchange rate flexibility while ensuring liquidity has reassured investors, many of whom are cautiously optimistic about future capital market performance.
The PSX’s strong performance on Monday not only erased some of the losses from the previous week but also sent a clear message to both local and international investors: Pakistan’s markets are resilient, and underlying economic indicators are beginning to show meaningful improvement.
As the week unfolds, market watchers are keeping a close eye on upcoming economic data releases, corporate earnings reports, and global news events that could influence investor sentiment further. For now, the record remittance inflow appears to have reignited momentum, giving the PSX a much-needed lift and setting a positive tone for the trading week.