PSX Closing Bell: Bulls Storm the Gates

According to Mettis Global, the benchmark KSE-100 closed 768.66 points, or 0.46 per cent, higher at 166,186.16 on Thursday, extending its recent run of gains. Buying interest spread across several key sectors while lower oil prices supported sentiment among heavyweight stocks. Crude eased as traders considered potential transit problems through the Strait of Hormuz after attacks on vessels in that waterway. The latest assessment from the International Energy Agency on world oil markets also came into focus.

Throughout trading the index stayed on the positive side, peaking at 166,877.01 and dipping no lower than 165,613.11. Volume on the KSE-100 rose to 175.95m shares, and 74 index companies finished higher while 26 closed lower. Across the wider market, the All-Share Index closed at 100,823.27, up 477.21 points or 0.48 per cent, with 292 stocks advancing and 169 declining. Total market volume was 517.20m shares, down from 585.89m, and traded value rose by Rs3.49bn to Rs23.56bn.

PGLC topped the gainers with a 9.97 per cent rise, followed by PTC at 7.62 per cent and BML at 4.70 per cent. Among decliners, IBFL fell 2.45 per cent, while CPHL and AHCL slipped 2.30 and 2.14 per cent respectively. ENGROH weighed most on the index, pulling it down 80.28 points, whereas PTC contributed 82.27 points, the largest positive effect.