PSX witnesses recovery as KSE-100 index surpasses 41,000-mark

The week started off well for shares at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), with analysts attributing the rise to the Pakistani rupee’s robust rebound, which was supported by a drop in global oil prices.

By 10:45 AM, the benchmark KSE-100 index had risen 411 points, or 1.01 per cent, to 41,031 points.

The PSX had optimistic activity in early trade, according to Ahsan Mehanti of Arif Habib Corporation, as a result of a higher rupee and the impending appointment of a new finance minister, which is expected to stabilise economic uncertainties.

At 10 AM, the Pakistani rupee was trading at Rs235.5 per US dollar, up Rs4.15 from earlier today.

Furthermore, Ishaq Dar is scheduled to return to Pakistan today and take charge as Pakistan’s finance minister. Senior PML-N officials met Miftah Ismail on Sunday after he submitted his resignation. Dar’s appointment as finance minister was announced by Nawaz Sharif and PM Shehbaz, according to a statement issued following the meeting.

Amir Shehzad, the director at First National Equities Limited, concurred with Mehanti’s assessment, stating that the sentiment that built in anticipation of Dar’s return and the optimism that the situation would get under control was the main driver of the index’s advances and a reason for increased investor confidence.

The industry with the greatest potential to raise the index’s point total, according to Shehzad, is cement.

Raza Jafri, Head of Research at Intermarket Securities, stated that the KSE-100 was recovering as a result of a number of factors, including lower oil prices, the West’s apparent willingness to consider Pakistan’s requests for debt restructuring, and the belief that Senator Dar might be able to control the PKR.

No negative political developments over the weekend are also fostering positive sentiments, he continued.

In light of the terrible floods, which are estimated to have cost $30 billion in losses, PM Shehbaz had last week made a plea to the globe and wealthy nations for an immediate debt relief.