PSX Closing Bell: A Picture-Perfect Finish

May 21, 2026 (MLN): The benchmark KSE-100 Index extended its bullish momentum on Thursday, closing at 168,514.44, up by 3,683.02 points or 2.23%, as investor sentiment strengthened on optimism surrounding Pakistan’s ongoing engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and improving expectations regarding regional geopolitical stability.

The index remained positive throughout the trading session, touching an intraday high of 168,869.18 (+4,037.76) and a low of 166,638.56 (+1,807.14) points. Total traded volume in the KSE-100 Index stood at 270.58 million shares.

Out of the 100 index companies, 86 closed higher while 13 declined, reflecting broad-based buying across key sectors.

Among the top gainers were SCBPL (+9.58%), PGLC (+6.58%), PIOC (+6.46%), CHCC (+6.35%), and PTC (+6.14%). On the losing side, MEHT (-2.51%), GADT (-2.37%), JDWS (-1.55%), HCAR (-1.06%), and ILP (-0.69%) posted modest declines.

In terms of index-point contribution, UBL (+560.70pts), FFC (+365.48pts), LUCK (+244.90pts), HBL (+222.34pts), and HUBC (+214.59pts) were the major contributors to the benchmark’s rally. Meanwhile, ILP (-5.39pts), MEHT (-4.44pts), JDWS (-4.31pts), SAZEW (-3.77pts), and HCAR (-2.41pts) limited gains.

Sector-wise, the market was primarily supported by Commercial Banks (+1240.39pts), Fertilizer (+522.01pts), Cement (+486.89pts), Oil & Gas Exploration Companies (+427.92pts), and Power Generation & Distribution (+229.98pts). On the other hand, Sugar & Allied Industries (-4.31pts), Textile Spinning (-2.19pts), Close-End Mutual Fund (-0.65pts), Automobile Parts & Accessories (-0.36pts), and Modarabas (-0.30pts) closed in negative territory.

In the broader market, the All-Share Index settled at 101,435.11, gaining 2,101.39 points or 2.12%. Total market volume stood at 729.40 million shares, while traded value increased to Rs34.99 billion. A total of 372,229 trades were reported across 490 companies, with 330 closing higher, 120 lower, and 40 remaining unchanged.

Investor confidence improved amid  the conclusion of the IMF mission’s visit to Islamabad. Sentiment was further aided by easing concerns over geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, encouraging buying in heavyweight banking, cement, fertilizer, and exploration sectors as investors anticipated improved economic stability and reduced pressure on global commodity markets.

To note, the KSE-100 has gained 42,887 points or 34.14% during the fiscal year, whereas it has decreased 5,540 points or 3.18% so far this calendar year.

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