KSE-100 Rises Over 4,300 Points as Investor Confidence Improves
Pakistan’s stock market opened the week on a strong note, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index gaining more than 4,300 points in early trading on Monday. The positive momentum followed reports of a diplomatic breakthrough between the United States and Iran, which improved investor sentiment globally.
By 9:35 a.m., the KSE-100 Index was trading at 176,767.01 points, reflecting an increase of 4,367.11 points, or 2.53%.
Broad-based buying activity was observed across key sectors, including banking, fertilizer, cement, oil and gas exploration, oil marketing, and refining companies. Major stocks such as DG Khan Cement, Lucky Cement, HBL, MCB Bank, Meezan Bank, Mari Energies, OGDC, PPL, Pakistan Oilfields, and Hub Power Company recorded gains during early trading.
The rally follows a positive performance last week when the KSE-100 Index added 1,921 points, or 1.13%, to close at 172,399.90 points. Market analysts attributed the recovery to easing regional tensions and a decline in international oil prices, which supported investor confidence.
Global markets also reacted positively, with several Asian stock indexes moving higher. Meanwhile, the US dollar weakened and crude oil prices declined amid expectations of reduced geopolitical uncertainty.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated on social media that an agreement had been reached, while US President Donald Trump indicated that the arrangement included the reopening of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. However, further details were not immediately available.
Iran also commented on future shipping arrangements, saying that maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz would be coordinated jointly with Oman.
The developments are being closely watched by global policymakers and financial markets, as lower energy prices could help ease inflationary pressures in many economies.
In commodity markets, Brent crude oil fell 4% to $83.80 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude declined 4.7% to $80.89 per barrel.
Investors will continue monitoring geopolitical developments and economic indicators throughout the week for further market direction.
