KARACHI:
Pakistan equities opened the week on a firmer footing on Monday, with the benchmark KSE-100 index gaining ground as easing oil prices and hopes for diplomatic progress on the Iran conflict encouraged buying interest, although the early rally lost some momentum during the session.
The KSE-100 index ultimately posted a thin gain of 268.58 points, or 0.16%, to close at 171,153.17. The index traded between an intraday high of 171,732.62 and a low of 170,902.76.
The positive sentiment was supported by a decline in oil prices as traders monitored the pace of Saudi Arabia’s oil shipment recovery following missile and drone attacks by Iran-backed Houthis on Saturday.
The improvement in Saudi shipments offered some relief to markets worried about prolonged disruptions to regional supplies, although continuing attacks by Yemen’s Houthis kept concerns over the security of energy flows in the region in focus.
Read More: Rising remittances, falling exports
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s power demand showed a meaningful recovery in Aug’26, rising 5.1% YoY to 14,943 MW, and standing 1.4% above the seven-year Aug average. While still below the 16,176 MW peak recorded in Aug’21, the rebound is encouraging for power-sector activity and broader economic growth, Arif Habib Limited (AHL) reported.
AHL’s Ali Najib wrote that investor sentiment remained mixed amid declining oil prices, as expectations of additional Saudi crude supply eased supply concerns. However, renewed tensions involving Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed Houthi forces kept sentiment cautious.
Lucky Cement, Attock Refinery, Fauji Fertiliser, Mari Energies, & Engo Fertiliser added 255 points, while Pakistan Services, Meezan Bank, System, UBL & Oil & Gas Development Company dragged the index by 172 points.
Going forward, market sentiment is expected to remain volatile, with selective buying likely if geopolitical tensions continue to ease and oil prices trend lower. However, elevated energy prices, external-sector risks and the upcoming IMF review will remain key factors influencing market direction, he added.
Overall, trading volume increased to 692.8million shares versus Friday’s volume of 576.2million. In the ready market, shares of 494 companies were traded. Of these, 238 stocks closed higher, 213 fell and 43remained unchanged. Tasdeeq Information was the volume topper with trading in 119.7million shares, rising Rs0.93 to close at Rs5.00
