KSE-100 rockets nearly 14,000 points in historic 19-day rally

January 19, 2026 (MLN): The Pakistan Stock Exchange has delivered an extraordinary performance to start 2026, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index surging 13,707.37 points in just the first 19 trading days of the year marked the strongest opening rally in recent history.

The remarkable bull run pushed the index to a fresh all-time high on Monday, closing at 187,761.69, up 2,662.86 points or 1.44%. The new record surpasses the previous peak of 186,518.72 set on January 7, 2026.

By comparison, the first 19 days of 2020 saw a gain of 2,432.7 points, while 2021 posted 2,147.86 points and 2022 added 237.35 points.

The year 2023 marked a sharp downturn with a loss of 1,588.9 points in the same period. Both 2024 and 2025 showed recovery with gains of 831.19 and 145.18 points respectively, but none came close to 2026's remarkable surge.

The market advanced on the back of stronger performance in mid-cap stocks, supported by expectations of interest-rate reductions and a manageable current-account deficit.

Investor sentiment was further bolstered by speculation over debt restructuring and optimism regarding more affordable financing through a potential panda bond issuance.

Market mood received additional support from the federal government’s decision to maintain fuel prices for the fortnight beginning January 16, 2026, with High Speed Diesel at Rs257.08 per litre and petrol at Rs253.17 per litre.

Internationally, concerns over potential US action against Iran eased after Washington scaled back its posture by withdrawing some military personnel from bases across the Middle East.

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