PSX Closing Bell: Gains Hold Firm

April 21, 2026 (MLN): Stocks at the Pakistan Stock Exchange closed higher on Tuesday, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index extending gains as improved external inflows and easing global oil prices lifted investor sentiment.

The KSE-100 Index settled at 173,155.79, up 959.09 points or 0.56%. The market remained positive throughout the session, hitting an intraday high of 175,298.11 (+3,101.41 points) and a low of 172,837.79 (+641.09 points), reflecting sustained buying interest.

Trading activity stayed robust, with total volume in the KSE-100 Index recorded at 524.20 million shares. Market breadth was positive, as 62 companies advanced, 36 declined, and 2 remained unchanged.

Among the top gainers, YOUW (+21.14%), GADT (+6.69%), CNERGY (+5.61%), NPL (+5.35%), and UBL (+4.99%) led the rally. On the downside, CHCC (-4.02%), KTML (-3.36%), LOTCHEM (-2.72%), PABC (-2.62%), and NBP (-1.74%) ended lower.

In terms of index-point contribution, the upside was largely driven by UBL (+629.40 points), BAHL (+69.49 points), PSO (+68.12 points), MEBL (+53.10 points), and ATRL (+40.43 points). Meanwhile, some pressure came from NBP (-66.33 points), OGDC (-54.45 points), CHCC (-43.91 points), EFERT (-35.33 points), and POL (-30.43 points).

Sector-wise, the index was supported by Commercial Banks (+844.70 points), Oil & Gas Marketing Companies (+94.38 points), Refinery (+60.86 points), Pharmaceuticals (+26.06 points), and Textile Composite (+22.16 points). On the flip side, Oil & Gas Exploration Companies (-71.05 points) and Cement (-56.23 points) weighed on the index.

Investor sentiment improved following positive developments on the external front, as the State Bank of Pakistan confirmed the receipt of $1 billion from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Finance on April 20, marking the second tranche of the recently agreed $3 billion deposit facility. The inflow provided support to the country’s foreign exchange reserves and strengthened confidence in macroeconomic stability.

Global cues also aided the market, as oil prices slipped on Tuesday, reversing part of the previous session’s sharp gains. The decline came as investors shifted focus toward the possibility of renewed diplomatic engagement between the United States and Iran, which could ease supply constraints.

Market participants remained optimistic that upcoming talks later this week could lead to an extension of the current ceasefire or even a broader agreement. Such an outcome may pave the way for increased oil exports from the region, with Pakistan playing a facilitating role in mediation efforts.

In the broader market, the All-Share Index closed at 103,349.02, gaining 560.51 points or 0.55%. Total market volume stood at 1,165.25 million shares, while traded value was recorded at Rs54.94 billion.

A total of 489 companies were traded, of which 279 advanced, 165 declined, and 45 remained unchanged, reflecting a broadly positive session at the bourse.

To note, the KSE-100 has gained 47,528 points or 37.83% during the fiscal year, whereas it has decreased 899 points or 0.52% so far this calendar year.

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