The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) extended its strong upward momentum on Friday, with investor confidence buoyed by signs of easing inflation and supportive monetary policy.
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During intraday trading, the KSE-100 index surged by 1,866.57 points, reaching a new all-time high of 178,222 points, marking a 1.06% increase from the previous close of 176,335.49 points.
According to Bloomberg, Pakistan’s inflation rate rose at a slower-than-expected pace in December, reinforcing the central bank’s decision to cut the policy rate to a three-year low in a bid to stimulate economic growth.
The report noted that food inflation eased to 3.24% in December, down from 5.53% in November, while the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased 5.6% year-on-year, compared to 6.1% in the previous month.
Despite trade disruptions linked to tensions with Afghanistan and border restrictions, alternative supply channels helped stabilize food availability, keeping overall inflationary pressures relatively contained.
A day earlier, the benchmark index had already closed on a strong note, gaining 2,301.17 points (1.32%) to settle at 176,355.49 points, up from 174,054.32 points, according to PSX data.
Market activity remained robust, with 1.40 billion shares traded, valued at Rs48.42 billion, compared to 957.24 million shares worth Rs44.23 billion in the previous session.
Out of 485 active companies, 337 advanced, 116 declined, while 32 remained unchanged, reflecting broad-based buying interest across sectors.
