The Pakistan Stock Exchange’s KSE-100 index rebounded strongly on Tuesday, rising by over 1,200 points following the Eidul Fitr holiday break.
The benchmark index gained 1,225.99 points, or 0.80%, closing at 153,966.36 points, up from the previous close of 152,740.37. During the session, the index reached an intraday high of 157,442.68 points around 9:30am before dipping to 153,382.00 points at 2:36pm, ultimately settling near mid-range.
Market analysts attributed the early surge to optimism fueled by easing geopolitical tensions and a drop in global oil prices, which encouraged buyers to enter the market. The index climbed sharply in the morning, briefly posting gains of over 4,700 points, reflecting renewed investor confidence. However, trading activity remained relatively thin, and the rally gradually lost momentum as volumes failed to sustain the advance.
Overall market turnover was recorded at Rs22.97 billion, with a total of 375 million shares changing hands. K-Electric Limited emerged as the most actively traded stock, surpassing 35 million shares following the appointment of its new CEO.
On the index front, major contributors included ENGRO, Fauji Fertiliser Company, Lucky Cement, Systems Limited, and Hub Power Company, collectively adding 1,184 points. Meanwhile, MCB Bank, National Bank of Pakistan, Sazgar Engineering Works, Kohat Cement, and Nestlé were among the laggards, pulling the index down by 237 points.
Despite the recovery, analysts cautioned that the subdued trading volumes indicated a lack of strong buying support, suggesting that the market remains sensitive to external cues.
