PSX gains 1,900 points, maintaining renewed buying

Published May 20, 2026 Updated May 20, 2026 05:37pm
This screengrab shows activity at the PSX on May 20. — PSX data portal
This screengrab shows activity at the PSX on May 20. — PSX data portal

The Pakis­tan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Wednesday maintained its renewed bullish momentum as the market gained over 1,900 points.

The benchmark KSE-100 index gained 1,934.74 points or 1.19 per cent to close at 164,831.42 points from the previous close of 162,896.68.

The market dipped to an intraday low of 162,895.74 shortly after opening, eventually reaching an intraday high of 165,081.69 at 3:20pm, gaining 2185 points from yesterday.

Topline Securities Limited noted that “investor sentiment rebounded sharply” and that the market experienced significant intraday movement.

“Improved market confidence was largely driven by easing tensions between Iran and the United States, alongside a decline in international oil prices,” it pointed out.

The positive performance was mainly supported by heavyweight stocks, including Meezan Bank Limited (MEBL), Fauji Fertiliser Company Limited (FFC), United Bank Limited (UBL), Engro Holdings Limited (ENGROH), and Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), which “collectively added 836 points to the benchmark index and played a pivotal role in sustaining the market’s bullish momentum”, Topline said.

“Market participation with total traded volume reaching 386 million shares, while total turnover stood at Rs20.1 billion. SSGC emerged as the volume leader, with 25m shares,” it added.

Arif Habib Limited noted KSE-100 has “tested the Monday range high at 165,000, which is a key level, and is currently -0.46pc [week-on-week] and remains in a consolidation profile”.

It said the US-Iran situation would “continue to dictate market direction”.

On Tuesday, the PSX snapped a seven-session losing streak, gaining 1,091.66 points as buying interest returned to the market.

The market sentiment has remained buoyant this week amid encouraging developments in the ongoing negotiations between the US and Iran.

Additionally, a slight decline in international oil prices provided further comfort to investors by easing inflationary worries and strengthening expectations of macroeconomic stability.

Follow Dawn Business on X, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook for insights on business, finance and tech from Pakistan and across the world.

Opinion

Sexual abuse by Israel

Sexual abuse by Israel

Thousands of Palestinian men, women and children are languishing in Israeli prisons in subhuman conditions, with many routinely subjected to sexual abuse.

Editorial

Hormuz gamble
20 May, 2026

Hormuz gamble

The Strait of Hormuz has become the real centre of the confrontation.
The unkindest cut
20 May, 2026

The unkindest cut

SUICIDE, a complex symptom of deep despair triggered by mental health problems, is hardly a moral issue. Punitive...
Ad hoc culture
20 May, 2026

Ad hoc culture

THE Supreme Court’s ruling against prolonged ad hoc and acting appointments is an indictment of a deeply ...
Water win
19 May, 2026

Water win

Besides being a technical and legal win, the ruling validates Pakistan’s argument about the existential stakes involved for it.
Free ride
19 May, 2026

Free ride

THE federal and provincial governments have extended what appear to be major concessions to the retail sector ahead...
Ceasefire in name
19 May, 2026

Ceasefire in name

THE ink on the latest ceasefire extension between Israel and Lebanon was barely dry when Israeli warplanes were back...