The KSE-100 index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) skyrocketed by over 3,000 points in the opening minutes of Thursday’s trading session, registering a sharp 3 percent increase, driven by international economic developments and strong domestic market momentum.
At precisely 9:30 AM, the KSE-100 index catapulted to 117,095 points, reflecting an increase of approximately 3,000 points, or 3%, from the previous close. By 9:35 AM, the index had gained 3,331 points, reaching 117,484 points, signifying a 2.91 percent uptick.
PSX Begins Trading with an Explosive Rally
President Donald Trump, who declared a 90-day suspension of tariffs on all trading partners not engaged in retaliatory economic measures against the United States. The global markets responded with optimism, and the PSX, in particular, saw an immediate bullish breakout.
The early minutes of trading witnessed a flurry of activity with 60,185,307 shares changing hands, reflecting a total transaction value of Rs. 3.627 billion. This early high liquidity is indicative of strong investor interest and reflects widespread market optimism.
A total of 281 companies participated in the trading session, with an overwhelming 258 scrips registering gains, while only 19 saw losses, and 4 remained unchanged. This broad-based rally highlights robust investor sentiment and confidence across various sectors.
| Scrip | Price (PKR) | High | Low | Change | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PAEL | 44.50 | 44.50 | 44.50 | +3.72 | 1,684,285 |
| CNERGY | 8.55 | 8.55 | 8.55 | +0.23 | 619,905 |
| WTL | 1.34 | 1.34 | 1.34 | +0.04 | 512,500 |
| KEL | 4.40 | 4.40 | 4.40 | +0.19 | 403,852 |
| MLCF | 63.50 | 63.50 | 63.50 | +2.62 | 316,766 |
| PREMA | 41.00 | 41.00 | 41.00 | +3.00 | 279,011 |
| HUBC | 138.05 | 138.05 | 138.05 | +4.04 | 249,709 |
These stocks not only led in terms of price appreciation but also showed consistent investor demand, sustaining their highs throughout the session.
Companies like K-Electric (KEL) and HUB Power Company (HUBC) registered notable gains, signaling investor confidence in the energy and utilities sector, especially in the wake of anticipated foreign investments and tariff adjustments.
WorldCall Telecom (WTL) made modest but significant gains, suggesting continued interest in low-cap tech stocks, often favored by retail investors seeking short-term returns.
Maple Leaf Cement (MLCF) posted a strong price increase, backed by expectations of enhanced infrastructure spending and renewed demand from the construction industry.
Global and Domestic Factors Behind the Surge
Suspension of Tariffs by the U.S.: Trump’s decision to pause trade tariffs has created global risk-on sentiment, particularly benefiting emerging markets like Pakistan.
Improved Macroeconomic Indicators: Pakistan’s improving foreign exchange reserves, declining current account deficit, and relative currency stability have created a positive economic backdrop.
Investor Confidence: The recent policy clarity from the government, along with improved corporate earnings forecasts, have added to investor optimism.
From a technical perspective, the KSE-100 index has convincingly broken through key resistance levels around 114,000, which now may act as a new support zone.
Analysts predict a consolidation phase later in the day as profit-taking might occur at higher levels. However, with investor sentiment riding high and positive global cues, the PSX could close the day with significant net gains.
 soared over 3,000 points on Thursday, driven by Donald Trump's tariff suspension.){kind=link}