Pakistan stock market hits record high on ADB funding boost, insurance sector buying
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) surged to an all-time high of more than 120,000 points on Tuesday, with analysts attributing the rally to the Asian Development Bank's (ADB) financing package for Pakistan and strong buying by insurance companies in banking, fertilizer and power sectors.
The benchmark KSE-100 index closed at an unprecedented high of 120,450.87 points, marking a gain of 1,573.07 points, or 1.32 percent, from the previous day's close of 118,877.80.
The development follows the ADB's approval of an $800 million package to help Pakistan enhance fiscal reforms and economic stability, alongside the government's approval of over Rs800 billion for public sector development projects in the upcoming budget.
'Stocks closed all time high led by scrips across the board after ADB approval of $800 million financing package,' Ahsan Mehanti, CEO of Arif Habib Commodities, told Arab News.
'Government set FY26 growth target at 4.2percent and government approval for Rs880 billion PSDP in the federal budget FY26 announcements next week.'
Mehanti said the anticipated budgetary relief for oil refineries, real estate and agriculture sectors, along with gains in rupee's value, played a catalytic role in the bullish close at the PSX.
Raza Jafri, head of Intermarket Securities, said this was the first time the KSE-100 Index has ever closed above the 120,000-point mark.
'Strong buying by insurance companies in sectors such as banks, fertilizers and power led the market higher,' he said.
The budget for fiscal year 2025–26 is expected to be presented in Pakistan's lower house of parliament on June 10, following the Eid Al-Adha holidays.
Pakistan's annual inflation rate rose to 3.5 percent in May, though the country's macroeconomic outlook has improved in recent months, supported by a stronger current account balance, increased remittances and declining inflation.
Authorities remain cautious as they aim to build on recent economic stabilization, guide the country toward gradual growth, and reaffirm their commitment to ongoing economic reforms.
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