The KSE-100 Index rally dominated market headlines as stocks at the Pakistan Stock Exchange surged sharply on Friday, extending the bullish momentum witnessed throughout the week. Investor confidence strengthened amid improving global sentiment, easing oil prices, and continued financial backing from Saudi Arabia, pushing the benchmark index to a powerful close. The KSE-100 Index ended the session at 173,939.01 points, gaining 4,027.06 points, reflecting a 2.37 percent increase. The market remained firmly positive throughout the day, indicating sustained buying interest from both institutional and retail investors. During intraday trading, the index touched a high of 174,404.03 points and a low of 170,758.25 points, highlighting strong upward momentum despite minor fluctuations. KSE-100 Index Rally Driven by Strong Banking and Energy Stocks The KSE-100 Index rally was largely supported by heavy buying in banking, oil and gas, and cement sectors. Commercial banks emerged as the biggest contributors, adding nearly two thousand points to the index. Oil and gas exploration companies also provided strong support, followed by cement, power generation, and pharmaceutical stocks. Among individual performers, National Bank of Pakistan posted a maximum gain of 10 percent, while Ghani Glass recorded over 9 percent growth. Bank of Punjab also surged above 9 percent. Other notable gainers included Haleon and United Bank Limited, both contributing significantly to overall market strength. On the downside, only limited pressure was observed. Murree Brewery declined slightly by nearly two percent, while minor losses were seen in Mehmood Textile, TRG Pakistan, Engro Fertilizers, and Unilever Pakistan Foods. However, these declines were not enough to impact the overall bullish tone. KSE-100 Index Rally Supported by Record Trading Activity Trading volumes strengthened considerably during the session, reflecting heightened investor participation. More than 704 million shares were traded within the KSE-100 Index alone. Market breadth remained overwhelmingly positive, with 86 companies closing higher and only 14 declining, signaling broad-based buying across sectors. In the broader market, the All-Share Index also performed strongly, closing above 103,800 points after gaining over 2,400 points. Total market volume crossed 1.44 billion shares, while traded value reached approximately 67.99 billion rupees. Out of 486 companies traded, 354 advanced, 101 declined, and 31 remained unchanged, confirming strong bullish momentum. The most actively traded stocks included Bank of Punjab, K-Electric, Treet Corporation, Unity Foods, WorldCall Telecom, Pak Elektron, and Hascol Petroleum. Bank of Punjab led volumes with more than 153 million shares traded, followed by K-Electric with over 134 million shares. Global Factors Fuel KSE-100 Index Rally The KSE-100 Index rally gained further strength from easing global oil prices. Declining crude prices improved sentiment in energy-importing economies such as Pakistan, boosting investor risk appetite. Market participants viewed the decline in oil prices as positive for inflation outlook and external account stability. Additionally, optimism increased after statements suggesting de-escalation of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Expectations that the Iran-related conflict could wind down supported global equity markets, which also influenced sentiment at the Pakistan Stock Exchange. Saudi Financial Support Boosts Investor Confidence Domestic sentiment received a major boost after Pakistan secured continued financial support from Saudi Arabia. Both countries agreed to extend a three billion dollar deposit facility placed with the State Bank of Pakistan. This move reinforced Pakistan’s external financing position and eased concerns about foreign exchange reserves. The announcement strengthened confidence among investors who viewed the extension as a sign of continued international backing. Banking stocks responded positively, further accelerating the KSE-100 Index rally. Fiscal Year Performance Highlights Strong Momentum Despite minor volatility earlier in the calendar year, the KSE-100 Index has gained more than 48,000 points during the current fiscal year, representing an increase of over 38 percent. However, on a calendar year basis, the index remains nearly flat with a marginal decline, indicating that recent gains are helping offset earlier losses. Analysts believe continued foreign support, stable macroeconomic indicators, and easing global commodity prices could sustain the bullish trend in coming sessions. Outlook: Will the KSE-100 Index Rally Continue Market experts expect the KSE-100 Index rally to remain intact if macroeconomic stability continues and foreign inflows improve. Banking, cement, and energy sectors are likely to remain in focus, while investor attention may also shift toward upcoming economic data and policy announcements. With strong volumes, positive breadth, and improving global sentiment, the Pakistan Stock Exchange closed the week on a highly optimistic note, setting the stage for potential further gains.
