PSX Closing Bell: A Tiny Turn Higher

Mettis Global reported that the benchmark KSE-100 closed Tuesday 0.15 per cent higher at 171,402.08, a rise of 248.92 points. Buying in oil and gas exploration and cement shares lifted the index, although the pace of the advance slowed.

Targeted purchases in heavyweight shares across exploration, cement and power offset weakness in commercial banks and fertilizer names. The index's intraday span covered 813.80 points, running from 170,866.93 to 171,680.73. Breadth was positive, with 52 of the 100 index constituents finishing higher and 45 lower.

AHCL, SEARL and PAKT led the gainers with rises of 4.57, 3.16 and 3.09 per cent, while PGLC, IBFL and NPL were among the weakest. On a points basis, MARI, PPL and HUBC added the most to the index, whereas BAHL, FFC and MCB pulled it down hardest. Across the wider market, the All-Share Index advanced 0.28 per cent, with volume easing to 641.83 million shares from 692.86 million the previous session.