The KSE 100-index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) continued a positive bullish trend on Tuesday (March 19), gaining 612.09 points, a change of 0.94 percent, closing at 65,502.60 points against the previous day’s 64,890.51 points.
Analysts said, overall the bullish trend observed in the PSX was driven by a combination of factors, including the SBP’s decision on monetary policy, rumors of institutional buying, and positive investor sentiment across various sectors.
One key factor was the decision by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to maintain the monetary policy rate unchanged at 22%, which signaled stability in monetary policy and economic conditions. This decision provided a boost to investor confidence, contributing to the bullish trend.
Additionally, rumors of institutional buying further fueled positive sentiment, adding to the upward momentum of the market. As a result, there was a widespread surge of buying activity across various sectors, with notable contributions from the Banks, Fertiliser, and E&P sectors.
Stocks such as MCB, MEBL, HMB, BAHL, EFERT, FFC, POL, and MARI played a significant role in driving the index higher, collectively adding 319 points to the overall index.
Trading activity was also robust, with a total of 323,281,871 shares valued at Rs17.059 billion traded during the day, reflecting increased market participation compared to the previous day.
Among the top trading companies were WorldCall Telecom, Telecard Limited, and Bank of Punjab. Notably, WorldCall Telecom traded the highest number of shares.
In terms of individual stock performance, Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited saw the maximum increase in share price, followed by Pakistan Tobacco Company Limited. Conversely, Sapphire Fibres Limited and Nestle Pakistan Limited experienced declines in their share prices.
A total of 323,281,871 shares valuing Rs17.059 billion were traded during the day as compared to 211,758,341 shares valuing Rs7.785 billion the last day.
Some 341 companies transacted their shares in the stock market; 184 of them recorded gains and 140 sustained losses, whereas the share prices of 17 remained unchanged.