PSX Closing Bell: Bulls Steal the Show

May 19, 2026 (MLN): The benchmark KSE-100 Index rebounded on Tuesday, closing at 162,896.68, up by 1,091.66 points or 0.67%, as investor sentiment improved following easing concerns over geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and a decline in global oil prices.

The index remained positive throughout the session, reaching an intraday high of 164,309.64 (+2,504.62) and a low of 162,563.58 (+758.56) points. Total traded volume in the KSE-100 Index stood at 169.98 million shares.

Out of the 100 index companies, 63 closed higher while 33 declined, reflecting broad-based recovery across major sectors.

Among the top gainers were HCAR (+10.00%), PGLC (+8.85%), TRG (+5.18%), BAHL (+3.36%), and JVDC (+2.98%). On the losing side, GADT (-4.07%), YOUW (-2.65%), SHFA (-2.35%), CHCC (-1.80%), and PABC (-1.60%) posted declines.

In terms of index-point contribution, UBL (+288.01pts), BAHL (+152.69pts), OGDC (+142.76pts), FFC (+140.83pts), and PPL (+102.04pts) provided the biggest boost to the benchmark index. Meanwhile, ENGROH (-105.07pts), MEBL (-20.77pts), CHCC (-17.74pts), FATIMA (-17.73pts), and MARI (-17.71pts) limited gains.

Sector-wise, the market was supported by Commercial Banks (+479.26pts), Oil & Gas Exploration Companies (+245.54pts), Fertilizer (+144.65pts), Power Generation & Distribution (+84.67pts), and Technology & Communication (+52.00pts). However, losses in Inv. Banks / Inv. Cos. / Securities Cos. (-100.36pts), Textile Composite (-7.28pts), Miscellaneous (-6.46pts), Textile Spinning (-3.85pts), and Real Estate Investment Trust (-2.33pts) capped some of the upside momentum.

In the broader market, the All-Share Index closed at 98,449.68, posting a gain of 617.69 points or 0.63%. Total market volume stood at 391.94 million shares, while traded value was recorded at Rs22.98 billion. A total of 277,244 trades were reported across 480 companies, with 262 closing higher, 171 lower, and 47 remaining unchanged.

Investor sentiment improved after global oil prices declined following remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump indicating that a proposed military operation against Iran had been delayed. The development eased fears of a broader conflict in the Middle East and reduced concerns over potential disruptions to global oil supplies.

The softer oil prices provided relief to investors worried about Pakistan’s import bill and inflation outlook, encouraging buying interest in banking, fertilizer, and oil exploration stocks, which led the market’s recovery during the session.

To note, the KSE-100 has gained 37,269 points or 29.67% during the fiscal year, whereas it has decreased 11,158 points or 6.41% so far this calendar year.

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