KSE 100 Index was up 279.45 points in early trade, tracking regional markets which gained as the blizzard on the U.S. East coast pushed oil prices higher relieving some of the bearish pressure on Wall Street and world markets.

OGDC, PPL, POL, PSO and MARI together added 124 points to the index with HBL & MCB added an additional 55 points.

PKR opened at 104.94/97 and was being quoted in the same range.