PSX Opens Week with Over 300-Point Gain
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) opened the week on a positive note, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index rising more than 300 points during early trade on Monday.
At 10:25am, the index stood at 145,726.96, up by 344.17 points, or 0.24%. Strong buying interest was recorded in key sectors such as automobile manufacturing, commercial banking, oil and gas exploration, and refining. Leading stocks, including ARL, NRL, MARI, POL, HBL, MCB, MEBL, and UBL, traded in the positive.
The upward momentum followed a strong performance last week, when the KSE-100 Index advanced 4,348 points, or 3.1%, to close at a record high of 145,383.
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Globally, Asian markets also opened higher on Monday, supported by strong corporate earnings in the technology sector. Investors are now awaiting a key US inflation report due on Tuesday, which could shape expectations for interest rate decisions.
Analysts forecast that US core consumer prices will rise by 0.3% for the month, pushing the annual rate to 3.0%—well above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target.
The data could influence speculation over a possible rate cut in September. Markets currently suggest a 90% probability of a cut, with at least one more reduction expected before year-end. However, a stronger-than-expected inflation reading may challenge those forecasts.
Geopolitical factors also remain in focus. A US tariff deadline on Chinese goods is due to expire on Tuesday, with expectations of another extension. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday to discuss Ukraine.
