PSX opens in green, holds above 161,000 in early session

The Pakistan Stock Exchange opened in positive territory on Wednesday, with the benchmark KSE-100 index maintaining early momentum throughout the morning session. The index started the day on a strong note, rising by 664.53 points to 161,599.66 around 9:38 AM as trading volume reached 19 million shares.

By 9:57 AM, the market had strengthened further, adding 767.39 points to touch 161,702.52, with volume rising to 44 million shares. Around 10:30 AM, the index peaked at 161,808, marking a gain of 873.69 points as more than 96 million shares exchanged hands.

As of 10:59 AM, the KSE-100 index was trading at 161,468.86, up 533.73 points or 0.33 percent, with a cumulative volume of nearly 125 million shares.

The PSX has displayed impressive year-on-year growth, up 68.45 percent over the past 12 months, while the year-to-date gain stands at 40.25 percent. The 52-week trading range remains broad, stretching from a low of 94,180.60 to a high of 169,988.62.

Market activity has been led by a mix of high performers and heavy movers, with LOTCHEM surging 10 percent to 30.02, and SGPL jumping 10.01 percent to 15.28.

Other notable gainers included FRCL, SPL NC, and MSOT, all posting double-digit percentage increases. On the downside, GEMBLUEX tumbled 10 percent to 80.81, while PKGI, ASLCPS, and IDSM also recorded significant declines.

The market has remained resilient, with the KSE-100 holding above the 161,000 mark throughout the session, following a negative close on Tuesday when the index fell 752.05 points to 160,935.13.

That session saw 68 of the 100 index stocks close lower, while 30 recorded gains, and trading volumes for the KSE-100 hit 302.86 million shares. Today’s early gains suggest cautious optimism among investors, with the market showing a clear appetite for risk as trading continues.