KARACHI: Pakistani shares extended their record-breaking run for the seventh consecutive session on Monday, with the benchmark KSE-100 index crossing the 133,000 mark amid robust buying interest across key sectors.

According to Topline Securities Ltd, the KSE-100 index closed at 133,370.15, gaining 1,421.08 points or 1.08pc. The rally remained firm throughout the session, with the index touching an intraday high of 133,862.01, driven primarily by banking stocks on expectations of strong earnings and dividend announcements for the June quarter.

Textile stocks also advanced, buoyed by optimism over a potential tariff agreement with the United States.

Key contributors to the index’s rise included Habib Bank Ltd, Fauji Fertiliser Company, Bank Alfalah, MCB Bank, and Lucky Core Industries, which together added 476 points. However, minor downward pressure was exerted by negative contributions from Adamjee Insurance, Engro Fertilisers and Mari Petroleum.

Investor participation remained strong, with total traded volume reaching 919.9 million shares, up 25.48pc from the previous session. The traded value also jumped 29.67pc to Rs45.31bn. Image Pakistan Ltd led the volume chart with 48.1 million shares changing hands.

Ahsan Mehanti of Arif Habib Corporation noted that the market closed at a new all-time high amid the earnings season rally and easing concerns over US trade tariffs.

A trade agreement has reportedly prevented the imposition of a 29pc duty on US exports, adding to positive investor sentiment.

He added that rising foreign exchange rese­rves, a stable rupee, and government moves towards privatisation of state-owned enterprises also played a catalytic role.

Ali Najib, Deputy Head of Trading at Arif Habib Ltd, said the PSX continued its bullish momentum, fuelled by improving macroeconomic indicators, including declining inflation, stable currency, and encouraging foreign exchange levels.

The rally was broad-based, with notable institutional interest in the banking, fertiliser, cement, pharmaceutical, and energy sectors.

Analysts expect the bullish trend in the market to continue, supported by upcoming corporate earnings announcements and sustained investor confidence.

Published in Dawn, July 8th, 2025