The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) closed the curtains on 2023 on a positive note, reflecting bullish momentum as the benchmark KSE-100 Index ended the final trading session at 62,451.04, marking a notable increase of 398.81 points or 0.64%. This positive closure came amidst fluctuations during the session, showcasing resilience and ending the year on an optimistic trajectory.
Throughout the trading session, various sectors depicted a mixed trend. Automobile assemblers, cement, oil and gas exploration companies, and OMCs experienced gains, contributing to the index’s overall rise. Conversely, sectors like commercial banks and the refinery sector concluded in negative territory, exhibiting a diverse performance landscape.
A significant surge was witnessed on the preceding Thursday, where investors’ buying streak propelled the benchmark index to surge nearly 2%, settling at 62,052.23. This surge marked an increase of 1,188.61 points or 1.95%. However, the final trading day, Friday, introduced some volatility. While gains were observed in the first half, selling pressure emerged post-break. Nonetheless, a late surge in buying activity ensured a positive closure for the KSE-100.
Analysts attributed this positive sentiment to investors engaging in value hunting on the last trading day of 2023. Moreover, the market was buoyed by a notable increase in Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves, a reported $850 million rise by the State Bank of Pakistan for the week ending December 22, 2023. This uptick in reserves likely instilled confidence among investors, contributing to the overall positive sentiment in the stock market.
The year’s closure with a bullish trend and an uptick in foreign reserves suggests a certain degree of stability and investor confidence in Pakistan’s market. While sectors showed varying performances, the overall resilience exhibited in the face of fluctuations and the late rally to secure a positive end underscores the market’s ability to navigate through uncertainties and end the year on an encouraging note.
