KARACHI:
Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) surged 2,840 points on Thursday, driven by a fresh wave of risk appetite after media reports suggested a possible resumption of talks between the United States and Iran. The optimism eased geopolitical concerns and spurred buying of blue‑chip stocks, building on the previous session’s rebound.
Corporate news also helped. Lotte Chemical posted strong results for 2QCY26, reporting earnings per share of Rs 1.87—a 192 % year‑on‑year increase—alongside a cash dividend of Rs 1.50 per share. Heavyweight stocks such as Engro Holdings, UBL, Meezan Bank, Hubco and Lucky Cement led the rally, contributing roughly 967 points to the index.
At the close, the KSE‑100 index rose 2,837.78 points, or 1.62 %, ending the session at 178,123.57.
Arif Habib Limited (AHL) said the market extended its gains on the renewed appetite for risk, with the KSE‑100 climbing 2,838 points (+1.62 %) to close at 178,124. Investors continued to strengthen positions amid the same US‑Iran dialogue hopes. Lotte Chemical disclosed EPS of Rs 1.87 (up 192 % YoY) and a dividend of Rs 1.50 per share, further boosting sentiment.
On the index level, a broader set of stocks—Engro Holdings, UBL, Meezan Bank, Hubco, Lucky Cement, Fauji Fertiliser Co, HBL, MCB, Fatima Fertiliser and NBP—attracted strong buying, collectively adding about 1,490 points.
Trading remained active with volumes of around 737 million shares and a value of Rs 34.6 billion. “The outlook stays positive, with the market watching geopolitical developments and the corporate earnings season,” AHL noted.
Topline Securities highlighted a broad‑based recovery, noting that improved investor sentiment and easing geopolitical tensions helped reclaim earlier week’s losses. The index touched an intra‑day high of 178,432 and low of 175,672.
Full‑day statistics: 736.96 million shares traded (vs 583.80 million previous session), valued at Rs 34.61 billion; 496 companies were listed, with 342 gaining, 129 falling and 25 unchanged.
Volume leaders were Lotte Chemical (70.09 million shares, down Rs 0.15 to Rs 30.43), TPL Properties (52.57 million shares, up Rs 0.64 to Rs 12.77) and Ittefaq Iron Industries (35.22 million shares, down Rs 0.45 to Rs 9.34). Foreign investors bought Rs 2.53 billion worth of shares, according to the National Clearing Company.