Stocks extend gains on buying in third-tier shares

Published April 15, 2022
A stockbroker speaks on the phone during a trading session at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) in Karachi on April 4, 2022. — AFP
A stockbroker speaks on the phone during a trading session at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) in Karachi on April 4, 2022. — AFP

KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange observed a positive session on Thur­sday, thanks to the newfound stability in the value of the rupee against the dollar.

The rupee appreciated 0.07 per cent to 181.69 in the interbank market. In addition, monthly remittances rose to their highest level of $2.8bn in March.

According to Arif Habib Ltd, a rally took place in shares belonging to the refinery sector on the back of analysts’ expectations about improved earnings in the upcoming financial results season.

The main board activity remained dull whereas hefty buying was witnessed in third-tier stocks, said the brokerage. Investors resorted to across-the-board buying in the last trading hour, causing the market to close in the green zone.

As a result, the KSE-100 index settled at 46,484.43 points, up 318.93 points or 0.69 per cent from a day ago.

The trading volume increased 4.3pc to 494.9 million shares while the traded value went down 5.4pc to $64.3m on a day-on-day basis.

Stocks contributing significantly to the traded volume included Cnergyico PK Ltd (99.12m shares), WorldCall Telecom Ltd (36.94m shares), Flying Cement Ltd (33.86m shares), TeleCard Ltd (32.97m shares) and Maple Leaf Cement Factory Ltd (22.78m shares).

Sectors that contributed the highest number of points to the benchmark index included fertiliser (76.25 points), refinery (60.38 points), cement (58.79 points), chemical (37.9 points) and investment banking (18.04 points).

Shares contributing most positively to the index included Engro Corporation Ltd (63.38 points), Engro Polymer and Chemicals Ltd (45.4 points), Cnergyico PK Ltd (37.11 points), Maple Leaf Cement Factory Ltd (24.04 points) and Dawood Hercules Corporation Ltd (13.64 points). Stocks that contributed most negatively to the index included Colgate-Palmolive Pakistan Ltd (17.57 points), Meezan Bank Ltd (14.36 points), Bank Alfalah Ltd (11.67 points), Pakistan Petroleum Ltd (8.07 points) and Oil and Gas Development Company Ltd (7.17 points).

Shares that increased the most in percentage terms were Cnergyico PK Ltd (16.18pc), National Refinery Ltd (7.5pc), Attock Refinery Ltd (7.49pc), Engro Polymer and Chemicals Ltd (7.49pc) and Yousaf Weaving Mills Ltd (5.58pc).

Published in Dawn, April 15th, 2022

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

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
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...