KSE 100-index ends flat

KARACHI: The Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) benchmark 100-share index ended 0.12 percent, or 13.984 points, higher at 11,948.79.

Volume rose to 143.73 million shares, compared with 110.35million shares traded on Tuesday.

Stocks edged slightly higher on Wednesday, driven by healthy corporate results announcements by telecommunication and oil and gas companies, and dealers said volumes also improved compared with the last few days.

However, dealers said stocks are unlikely to change substantially in the coming days as investors remain worried that Pakistan's upcoming budget may include some measures that could affect investment.

The rupee, meanwhile, ended stronger amid a softer demand for the dollar, and dealers said healthy dollar inflows would keep the local unit steady in the near term.

The rupee closed at 84.55/58 to the dollar, up from Tuesday's close of 84.65/70.(REUTERS)