Stocks rise on foreigners’ cherry-picking

Published November 8, 2019
Stocks extended the gains for fourth successive session on Thursday with the KSE-100 index closing up by 105.19 points (0.30 per cent) at 35,758.52. — AFP/File
Stocks extended the gains for fourth successive session on Thursday with the KSE-100 index closing up by 105.19 points (0.30 per cent) at 35,758.52. — AFP/File

KARACHI: Stocks extended the gains for fourth successive session on Thursday with the KSE-100 index closing up by 105.19 points (0.30 per cent) at 35,758.52.

While institutions stayed away from the market, foreigners swooped to cherry-pick blue chips worth $3.16 million. Individuals who had led buying in the last couple of sessions sold shares worth $1.15m as their optimism gave way to fears due to lack of positive triggers and stalled talks between the government and opposition over the Islamabad sit-in.

The risk appetite also diminished due to release of higher-than-expected inflation figure for October, which dimmed hopes of cut in rates in the upcoming monetary policy which until sometime back looked like a strong possibility.

However, decisions taken in the Economic Coordination Committee to support infrastructure and power sectors proved helpful. The index moved in a narrow band between the intraday high and low by 181 and 195 points.

The volume lowered 11pc over the previous day to 265.8m shares while traded value also declined by 24pc to $51.5m. Sector-wise cyclical - cement and steel stocks which have continued to catch the market attention during and prior to the start of the results season - fell from grace as individuals decided to book profit at current levels.

Fertiliser stocks saved the day contributing 60 points to index rise. Investor interest was witnessed in the oil marketing companies on the back of news that the government had linked revision in their margins on petrol and diesel with annual average consumer inflation, which was likely to buffer the sector companies’ profitability.

Major contribution to the index upside came from Pakistan Tobacco, increasing by 4.47pc, Engro Corporation 1.29pc, Pakistan Oilfields 2.28pc, Pakistan State Oil 3.14pc and Hub Power 1.19pc. On the flip side, DG Khan Cement, down 4.58pc, Nestle Pakistan 3.38pc, Fauji Cement 4.03pc, Dawood Hercules 0.99pc and Lucky Cement 0.87pc weighed down on performance.

Published in Dawn, November 8th, 2019

Follow Dawn Business on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook for insights on business, finance and tech from Pakistan and across the world.

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...