Shares at PSX rally 700 points on ‘anticipated decline’ in inflation

Published March 1, 2024
Trading activity at PSX on Friday. — Photo via PSX data portal
Trading activity at PSX on Friday. — Photo via PSX data portal

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) continued its upward journey on Friday as shares gained over 700 points, with analysts attributing the positive momentum to an anticipated decline in inflation and clarity on the political front.

The KSE-100 index made decent gains throughout the day and closed at 65,325.68 points, up by 747.16 or 1.16 per cent from the previous close of 64,578.52.

Tahir Abbas, head of research at Arif Habib Limited, said the market stayed in positive territory due to an “anticipated decline in inflation and interest rates going forward”.

“Moreover, clarity in the political landscape and the expected formation of a federal government are further boosting investor confidence,” he said.

Shahbaz Ashraf, chief investment officer at FRIM Ventures, noted that the market had gained 4pc on a week-on-week (WoW) basis primarily due to the “formation of the government on federal and provincial levels, coupled with buying interest of foreigners”.

He added that the key names of foreign buying remained Efert, Engro, and Meezan Bank Limited (MEBL) among others.

Ashraf also highlighted that foreigners had bought $20 million worth of shares in the previous three weeks.

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

Opinion

Who bears the cost?

Who bears the cost?

This small window of low inflation should compel a rethink of how the authorities and employers understand the average household’s

Editorial

Internet restrictions
Updated 23 Dec, 2024

Internet restrictions

Notion that Pakistan enjoys unprecedented freedom of expression difficult to reconcile with the reality of restrictions.
Bangladesh reset
23 Dec, 2024

Bangladesh reset

THE vibes were positive during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent meeting with Bangladesh interim leader Dr...
Leaving home
23 Dec, 2024

Leaving home

FROM asylum seekers to economic migrants, the continuing exodus from Pakistan shows mass disillusionment with the...
Military convictions
Updated 22 Dec, 2024

Military convictions

Pakistan’s democracy, still finding its feet, cannot afford such compromises on core democratic values.
Need for talks
22 Dec, 2024

Need for talks

FOR a long time now, the country has been in the grip of relentless political uncertainty, featuring the...
Vulnerable vaccinators
22 Dec, 2024

Vulnerable vaccinators

THE campaign to eradicate polio from Pakistan cannot succeed unless the safety of vaccinators and security personnel...