Banking gains offset losses as PSX holds 147,000 level
Analysts noted that investors adopted a cautious stance amid mixed sentiment, selective buying, and profit-taking. Trading volumes recorded an uptick, supported by gains in banking stocks, while weakness in the fertiliser and energy sectors capped overall gains.
Arif Habib Limited (AHL) Deputy Head of Trading Ali Najib said the KSE-100 index floated in both directions during the session before closing slightly positive, maintaining the key 147,000 level.
'Mixed sentiment was observed during trading hours, with investors opting for some switching and profit-taking,' he said.
On the news front, Pakistan and US officials were finalising details of a trade deal, while Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb hinted at major US investments across various sectors. Meanwhile, Barrick Mining sought $3.5 billion from global lenders, including US-backed institutions, for the development of the Reko Diq copper and gold project.
Among individual movers, Bank Alfalah, HBL, Systems Limited, Meezan Bank and National Foods added 417 points to the index on buying interest. Conversely, Fauji Fertiliser Company, Mari Petroleum, Oil and Gas Development Company, Pakistan State Oil and Bank AL Habib collectively lost 527 points.
'Going forward, progress on circular debt resolution could further fuel upward momentum. That said, some consolidation or a mild correction remains possible. In case of a pullback, 145,000 is expected to serve as the first support, followed by 143,000, while 150,000 stands as the next key resistance,' Najib added.
Overall, trading volumes rose to 691.7 million shares from Monday's 611.2 million, while the traded value increased to Rs44.6 billion from Rs44 billion in the previous session.
Shares of 482 companies were traded. Of these, 208 closed higher, 242 declined and 32 remained unchanged. Yousuf Weaving Mills was the volume leader with 46.3 million shares, rising by Rs1 to close at Rs6.09.
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