PSX Closing Bell: The Green Machine Rolls On

May 20, 2026 (MLN): The benchmark KSE-100 Index extended its recovery on Wednesday, closing at 164,831.42, up by 1,934.74 points or 1.19%, as improving investor sentiment and easing geopolitical concerns supported broad-based buying across key sectors.

The index traded within a range of 2,185.95 points, reaching an intraday high of 165,081.69 (+2,185.01) and a low of 162,895.74 (-0.94) points. Total traded volume in the KSE-100 Index stood at 172.53 million shares.

Out of the 100 index companies, 79 closed higher while 20 declined, reflecting strong positive momentum across the market.

Among the top gainers were POWER (+4.83%), SRVI (+4.65%), FCCL (+4.25%), AIRLINK (+3.86%), and PAEL (+3.52%). On the losing side, PAKT (-3.85%), PGLC (-3.82%), GHGL (-2.31%), MEHT (-2.19%), and MUREB (-2.03%) posted declines.

In terms of index-point contribution, FFC (+225.76pts), UBL (+204.06pts), MEBL (+183.95pts), ENGROH (+115.85pts), and PPL (+106.01pts) provided the biggest boost to the benchmark index. Meanwhile, PAKT (-23.10pts), GHGL (-9.91pts), ABOT (-8.32pts), HINOON (-8.08pts), and MUREB (-7.28pts) limited gains.

Sector-wise, the market was supported by Commercial Banks (+617.72pts), Fertilizer (+299.34pts), Cement (+226.42pts), Oil & Gas Exploration Companies (+205.83pts), and Technology & Communication (+130.82pts). However, losses in Tobacco (-23.10pts), Glass & Ceramics (-5.87pts), Insurance (-3.52pts), Food & Personal Care Products (-0.73pts), and Leasing Companies (-0.19pts) capped some upside momentum.

In the broader market, the All-Share Index closed at 99,333.72, posting a gain of 884.04 points or 0.90%. Total market volume stood at 386.39 million shares, while traded value was recorded at Rs20.13 billion. A total of 267,200 trades were reported across 483 companies, with 302 closing higher, 141 lower, and 40 remaining unchanged.

Investor sentiment improved after oil prices edged lower on Wednesday amid growing expectations that the conflict involving Iran could de-escalate sooner than previously feared. Markets reacted positively after U.S. President Donald Trump told lawmakers that the war would end “very quickly,” easing concerns over prolonged disruption to Middle East energy supplies.

Additional support came from developments in Pakistan’s energy sector after the country completed the contractual framework for its Offshore Bid Round 2025, signing 21 Production Sharing Agreements and Exploration Licences covering offshore blocks in the Indus and Makran basins.

The progress renewed investor interest in oil and gas exploration stocks and strengthened optimism over long-term energy investment prospects in Pakistan.

To note, the KSE-100 has gained 39,204 points or 31.21% during the fiscal year, whereas it has decreased 9,223 points or 5.30% so far this calendar year.

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