Islamabad, Jan 13: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) started the week with a robust performance, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index rising by nearly 1,000 points on Monday. This bullish trend reflects growing investor confidence and improved market sentiment. The index closed at 114,230 points, recording an impressive gain of 982.77 points or 0.86% compared to Friday’s closing.
Trading Volume and Market Activity
The trading volume also saw a notable uptick, with 521.21 million shares changing hands, an increase from 499.85 million shares traded during the previous session. The total value of traded shares stood at Rs. 28.29 billion, significantly higher than Rs. 24.82 billion recorded last trading day.
A total of 448 companies participated in trading, with 279 witnessing gains, 116 registering losses, and 53 remaining unchanged. This broad-based rally demonstrates strong market breadth and optimism among investors.
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Upcoming Monetary Policy and Corporate Results
Market analysts are closely watching the upcoming Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting. According to Intermarket Securities, a 100 basis points cut in the policy rate, bringing it to 12%, is anticipated. This potential rate cut is expected to mark the end of the easing cycle, paving the way for economic stability.
Additionally, the results season is around the corner, and experts believe that dividend payouts from banks may uplift investor sentiment. However, cyclical sectors may deliver mixed performance due to existing challenges in the broader economy.
Finance Minister’s Optimism on Economic Growth
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb shared encouraging updates in an interview on Bloomberg’s The Asia Trade. He emphasized that Pakistan is entering a phase of economic stabilization, with the government now focusing on achieving sustainable growth.
Highlighting key initiatives, the minister announced plans to issue Yuan-denominated bonds to strengthen financial reserves. This strategic move aligns with efforts to meet the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) bailout conditions while ensuring fiscal discipline.
Outlook
With strong trading momentum, favorable monetary policy expectations, and positive economic signals from the government, the PSX appears poised for further gains. Investors are optimistic about sustained market recovery, making the weeks ahead crucial for Pakistan’s financial landscape.
