Business

'All time high': PSX hits new milestone as KSE-100 crosses 69,000 mark

Analyst attributes gain to stability on economic front, hopes of new IMF deal and govt's willingness to privatise PIA

Business Desk
April 08, 2024
A woman takes pictures of the electronic board displaying data at the Pakistan Stock Exchange in Karachi, on December 21, 2022. — PPI
A woman takes pictures of the electronic board displaying data at the Pakistan Stock Exchange in Karachi, on December 21, 2022. — PPI


KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) hit a new milestone on Monday as it crossed the 69,000 mark due to several factors including stability on the economic front.

The benchmark KSE-100 index gained1,203.20points or1.76% to close at69,619.98 points, up from the previous close of68,416.78 points.

According to Arif Habib Limited on X, formerly Twitter, the KSE-100 index crossed 69,000 and is trading at an all-time high.

Samiullah Tariq, the head of research at Pak-Kuwait Investment Company, attributed the gain to the stability on the economic front, hopes of a new International Monetary Fund (IMF) deal, the privatisation of the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).

Khurram Schehzad, CEO of the Alpha Beta Core financial advisory firm, said that investors gained confidence due to "resuming the privatisation process with those making losses as a priority so the government fiscals can get better".

"[This is] followed by IMF's last tranche to be received in the coming week to support externals."

Stocks concluded the outgoing week on a high note, with expectations set for a positive performance in the upcoming short trading week, which will span only two days before the extended Eid holidays, traders told The News.

“In the upcoming week, we expect the market to remain positive,” said brokerage Arif Habib Ltd. “Developments related to SOEs (state-owned enterprises) privatisation or EFF (Extended Fund Facility) program with IMF will further improve market sentiment.”

The market closed at 68,417 points, increasing by 1,412 points or 2.11% week-on-week.


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