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KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) extended its upward momentum on Wednesday, with the benchmark KSE-100 index closing higher despite volatile intraday trading, avs selective buying in index-heavy stocks outweighed losses elsewhere.
According to Ali Najib, Deputy Head of Trading at Arif Habib Ltd, the KSE-100 index gained 931.34 points, or 0.5 per cent, to settle at 187,832.08. He noted that sentiment remained mixed during the session, with the market oscillating between gains and losses before ending firmly in positive territory.
Topline Securities Ltd said the index touched an intraday high of 188,312.21 points and a low of 187,018.69 points, reflecting cautious participation amid ongoing profit-taking.
On the corporate front, MCB Bank Ltd announced calendar year 2025 earnings per share of Rs49.29, down 8pc year-on-year, along with a cash dividend of Rs36 per share. The result was largely in line with market expectations.
In contrast, Interloop Ltd (ILP) reported a sharp turnaround, posting earnings per share of Rs4.47 for the first half of FY26, up 357pc year-on-year. The strong recovery was attributed to improved gross margins, a significant increase in other income, lower finance costs and a reduced effective tax rate.
Gains in major index constituents, including Meezan Bank, Engro Holdings, National Bank of Pakistan, United Bank Ltd and Habib Metropolitan Bank, collectively added around 740 points to the benchmark. However, these advances were partially offset by losses in Systems Ltd, Engro Fertiliser and Pakistan Petroleum Ltd, which together shaved nearly 150 points off the index.
Market activity remained robust, with total volume surged 40.85pc to 1.19 billion shares. However, the traded value decreased 11.84pc to Rs44.1bn. K-Electric dominated the volume chart, with around 591 million shares traded, indicating sustained speculative and retail interest.
Analysts noted that the KSE-100 index has crossed the 187,000 mark, with momentum likely to extend towards the 191,000 level, supported by improving macroeconomic indicators and stronger corporate earnings, barring any adverse geopolitical developments.
Published in Dawn, February 5th, 2026
