PSX Closing Bell: Unstoppable

October 23, 2024 (MLN): Pakistan stocks extended gains largely driven by a jump in Fauji Fertilizer’s shares as improving macroeconomic indicators continue to boost sentiment.

The KSE-100 Index rose 727.96 points or 0.84% to end the day at 87,194.53, its 42nd record close this year.

The index traded in a range of 1,024.97 points showing an intraday high of 87,309.22 (+842.65) and a low of 86,284.25 (-182.32) points.

The total volume of the KSE-100 Index was 424.37 million shares.

Key economic reports on Monday showed economy continues to move toward stability.

The country's current account posted a second straight monthly surplus amid a surge in home remittances. In the first three months of current fiscal year, the deficit narrowed by 92% to $98m from $1.24 billion in 3MFY24.

Moreover, the cash-strapped nation attracted $385m foreign direct investment (FDI) in September, up a significant 81% compared to the same period last year (SPLY).

In today's trading session, of the 100 index companies 54 closed up, 40 closed down, 5 were unchanged, while 1 remained untraded.

Top gainers during the day were KEL (+10.40%), KOHC (+10.00%), CHCC (+7.96%), PSX (+6.85%), and ATRL (+6.11%).

On the other hand, top losers were PIBTL (-11.57%), IBFL (-6.50%), KOSM (-3.28%), JDWS (-3.06%), and NATF (-2.91%).

In terms of index-point contributions, companies that propped up the index were FFC (+301.12pts), HBL (+65.39pts), KOHC (+60.49pts), CHCC (+57.15pts), and BAHL (+48.87pts).

Meanwhile, companies that dragged the index lower were MCB (-74.68pts), MARI (-55.46pts), ENGRO (-26.53pts), PIBTL (-20.19pts), and MTL (-20.16pts).

Sector-wise, KSE-100 Index was supported by Fertilizer (+324.48pts), Cement (+186.61pts), Power Generation & Distribution (+79.33pts), Technology & Communication (+51.80pts), and Refinery (+42.41pts).

While the index was let down by Automobile Assembler (-44.63pts), Transport (-20.19pts), Oil & Gas Exploration Companies (-12.25pts), Synthetic & Rayon (-11.89pts), and Food & Personal Care Products (-11.31pts).

In the broader market, the All-Share Index closed at 56,079.68 with a net gain of 327.54 points or 0.59%.

Total market volume was 699.29 million shares compared to 722.21m from the previous session while traded value was recorded at Rs26.82 billion showing an increase of Rs1.80bn.

There were 294,664 trades reported in 445 companies with 212 closing up, 173 closing down, and 60 remaining unchanged.

To note, the KSE-100 has gained 8,750 points or 11.15% during the fiscal year, whereas the ongoing calendar year has witnessed a cumulative increase of 24,743 points, equivalent to 39.62%.

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