KARACHI: In a topsy-turvy session, the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Tuesday managed to close in the green, snapping a four-day losing streak and propelling the benchmark KSE-100 index above the 150,000-point milestone as the current account surplus boosted market sentiment, luring back investors who indulged in value hunting despite persistent regional tensions.

The benchmark KSE-100 index swung between an intraday high of 2,324 points and a low of 669 points before settling at 150,016, up 837 points, or 0.56 per cent.

According to Topline Securities Ltd, market support came from stable oil prices and positive regional trends. However, trading activity remained subdued, suggesting investors remain cautious and are awaiting clearer direction before making aggressive moves.

Market participation stayed thin, with total traded volume falling 12.68pc to 260 million shares and traded value declining 14.76pc to Rs17.20 billion. The Bank of Punjab led the volume chart, with more than 32 million shares traded.

Among index-heavy stocks, MCB Bank, United Bank Ltd, Hub Power, Pakistan Petroleum Ltd, and Engro Holdings emerged as key gainers, collectively adding 737 points to the index. Conversely, Habib Bank Ltd, National Bank of Pakistan, DG Khan Cement, Bank of Punjab, and Fauji Cement Company weighed on the market, dragging the benchmark down by 266 points.

Ali Najib, Deputy Head of Trading at Arif Habib Ltd, said the market showed resilience despite mixed trends, with the index closing above the 150,000 level.

“The index exhibited notable volatility, reaching an intraday high of 151,503 and a low of 148,509, reflecting cautious investor sentiment,” he said.

He added that sentiment improved after the country posted a current account surplus of $427 million for February — the highest since March 2025 — marking a significant turnaround from a deficit of $85 million in the same month last year.

However, on a cumulative basis, the current account deficit stood at $700m for the first eight months of FY26, compared to a surplus of $479m in the corresponding period last year.

Published in Dawn, March 18th, 2026