PSX rebounds as Iran-Israel ceasefire lifts investor sentiment

The equity market surged on Tuesday as news of a ceasefire between Iran and Israel and a sharp drop in oil prices restored investor confidence and triggered widespread buying.

The Pakistan Stock Exchange’s (PSX) benchmark KSE-100 Index surged to an intraday high of 122,725.21, gaining 6,557.74 points, or 5.65%, and touched a low of 120,369.53, reflecting a rise of 4,202.06 points, or 3.61%.

“The ceasefire and the subsequent plunge in oil prices have triggered the rally today,” said Ahfaz Mustafa, CEO of Ismail Iqbal Securities. “The falling oil prices and the ending of the threat of a prolonged conflict in the Middle East has calmed the markets. They are giving investors the confidence to re-enter the market.”

Trading was halted at the PSX after the KSE-30 Index surged 5%, triggering a mandatory one-hour cooling-off period. The market is scheduled to re-open at 12:31pm.

US President Donald Trump announced late Monday that a ceasefire had been agreed between Iran and Israel. 

“It has been fully agreed by and between Israel and Iran that there will be a Complete and Total CEASEFIRE... for 12 hours, at which point the War will be considered, ENDED!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Earlier, Trump had urged Iran to seek peace with Israel, saying he did not expect further retaliation from Tehran after its missile strike on a US base in Qatar. 

“Congratulations world—it’s time for peace,” he said, adding that Iran had “gotten it all out of their ‘system’” and expressing hope for future “Peace and Harmony in the Region.”

“Ceasefire news and institutional buying helping stock market to recover yesterday’s losses,” said Mohammed Sohail, CEO of Topline Securities.

The rally came after a steep plunge on Monday, when the KSE-100 Index dropped 3,855.77 points, or 3.21%, to close at 116,167.47. The day’s high and low were recorded at 118,798.52 and 115,887.49 points, respectively.