PSX Closing Bell: Elevation Mode

April 17, 2026 (MLN): Stocks at the Pakistan Stock Exchange extended their bullish momentum on Friday, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index posting a strong rally, supported by improving global sentiment, declining oil prices, and continued financial backing from Saudi Arabia.

The KSE-100 Index closed at 173,939.01, gaining 4,027.06 points or 2.37%.

The index remained firmly in positive territory throughout the session, touching an intraday high of 174,404.03 (+4,492.08 points) and a low of 170,758.25 (+846.30 points), reflecting sustained buying interest.

Trading activity picked up significantly, with total volume in the KSE-100 Index recorded at 704.34 million shares. Market breadth remained strong, as 86 companies closed higher while 14 declined, indicating broad-based participation.

Among the top gainers, NBP (+10.00%), GHNI (+9.14%), BOP (+9.05%), HALEON (+6.75%), and UBL (+6.69%) led the rally. On the other hand, modest losses were seen in MUREB (-1.93%), MEHT (-1.08%), TRG (-0.86%), EFERT (-0.73%), and UPFL (-0.57%).

In terms of index-point contribution, the surge was driven by UBL (+769.93 points), NBP (+339.96 points), PPL (+234.08 points), OGDC (+222.46 points), and LUCK (+209.99 points). Limited downside pressure came from EFERT (-32.08 points) and FFC (-13.09 points).

Sector-wise, the KSE-100 Index was supported by Commercial Banks (+1,972.08 points), Oil & Gas Exploration Companies (+569.49 points), Cement (+362.20 points), Power Generation & Distribution (+200.28 points), and Pharmaceuticals (+158.83 points), reflecting strong performance across key sectors.

Investor sentiment was buoyed by easing global oil prices, which declined amid signs of de-escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The improved outlook for global supply stability supported risk appetite, particularly in energy-importing markets like Pakistan.

Adding to the optimism, Donald Trump suggested that the ongoing conflict involving Iran could soon wind down, expressing confidence that the situation is progressing in a positive direction.

On the domestic front, sentiment was further strengthened after Pakistan and Saudi Arabia agreed to extend a $3 billion deposit facility placed by the Saudi Fund for Development with the State Bank of Pakistan. The move reinforced financial cooperation between the two countries and provided additional support to Pakistan’s external financing position.

In the broader market, the All-Share Index also posted strong gains, closing at 103,800.94, up 2,426.33 points or 2.39%. Total market volume surged to 1,440.63 million shares, while traded value increased to Rs67.99 billion, reflecting heightened investor activity.

A total of 486 companies were traded during the session, of which 354 advanced, 101 declined, and 31 remained unchanged, underscoring the strong bullish momentum at the close of the week.

To note, the KSE-100 has gained 48,312 points or 38.46% during the fiscal year, whereas it has decreased 115 points or 0.07% so far this calendar year.

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