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KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Wednesday witnessed a volatile session as the index moved both ways, but late value-hunting helped the benchmark index hold minor gains above the key 180,000-point milestone, maintaining a positive close for the third straight session.
Topline Securities Ltd said the benchmark KSE-100 index closed marginally higher, settling at 180,511 points, up 118.05 points or 0.07 per cent from the previous close. Despite ending in the green, the market saw significant intraday volatility as investors took profits after the strong rally over the previous two trading sessions.
The index touched an intraday high of 181,358 points and a low of 179,564 points. Market activity remained robust, with total traded volume exceeding 1.23 billion shares. However, the traded value dipped 1.42pc to Rs69.2 billion.
Investor sentiment remained supported by easing concerns about global oil prices and improving expectations of geopolitical stability, particularly following recent developments on a potential US-Iran agreement and the anticipated reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. However, profit-taking in select heavyweight sectors limited overall gains.
On the index contribution front, the index heavyweights Fatima Fertiliser, Pakistan Petroleum Ltd, Oil and Gas Development Company, Millat Tractor Ltd, and Service Long March were the primary drivers of upside momentum, collectively contributing 611 points to the benchmark’s gain.
Ali Najib, Deputy Head of Trading at Arif Habib Ltd, said the PSX ended largely flat amid range-bound trading, with investors opting for profit-taking, leaving sentiment mixed throughout the session.
On the macro front, Pakistan recorded a trade deficit of $2.8 billion in May, while posting a current account surplus of $459 million. During 11MFY26, the trade deficit widened 18.2pc YoY to $35bn. While the cumulative current account surplus stood at $255m.
Meanwhile, expectations of a US-Iran ‘Peace Deal MoU’ supported sentiment, raising hopes of lower oil prices and improved regional stability.
Analysts think the market may remain bullish in the near term, supported by macro indicators, easing geopolitical risks, and expectations of softer oil prices, which should continue to underpin the broader positive trend.
Published in Dawn, June 18th, 2026
