Pakistan’s benchmark stock index, the KSE-100, rebounded sharply Tuesday morning, rising 1,364.23 points, or 0.89 percent, to 153,337.22 by 11:25 am local time. The surge followed the index’s largest single-session decline in its history on Monday, when it shed over 16,000 points.
The rebound came amid heightened geopolitical tensions following the reported assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, in airstrikes attributed to the United States, and Israel. The strikes have destabilized the Middle East and triggered a sell-off in global equity markets, alongside a surge in oil and gas prices, according to analysts.
Trading volumes on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) remained robust, reaching 443,955,347 shares with a value of 23,498,675,532 Pakistani Rupees. According to PSX data, 178 symbols advanced, while 274 declined, and 115 remained unchanged.
Topline Research analysts noted that the evolving nature of the conflict, and the involvement of multiple countries, suggests volatility may persist until the situation stabilizes. Fears of supply disruptions, as Tehran considers retaliatory measures, are contributing to market uncertainty.
The KSE-100’s recovery was mirrored in other key indices. The KSE All Share Index gained 589.83 points, or 0.64 percent, to 91,768.68. The KSE-30 Index rose 691.94 points, or 1.47 percent, to 47,018.41. The KMI-30 Index increased by 2,372.31 points, or 1.11 percent, to 214,542.48.
Within the automobile sector, Al-Ghazi Tractors saw a modest increase, while Dewan Motors experienced a significant decline. Atlas Honda Ltd. Also posted gains, while Hinopak Motor suffered substantial losses. Sazgar Engineering showed a notable increase in its share price.
The PSX, established over 60 years ago, facilitates capital formation for a wide range of investors, including individuals, institutions, and listed companies, providing a digitized marketplace for buying and selling securities. As of Tuesday morning, the exchange remained open, continuing to monitor market developments.
