Karachi, August 12, 2025: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) ended marginally higher on Tuesday, with the benchmark KSE-100 index gaining 75.48 points, or 0.05%, to close at 147,005.32 as the market entered a consolidation phase.
Analysts said trading was marked by mixed sentiment, selective buying, and profit-taking. Gains in banking stocks helped offset weakness in the fertiliser and energy sectors, keeping the index above the 147,000 level.
Arif Habib Limited’s Deputy Head of Trading, Ali Najib, noted that the index moved in both directions during the session before closing slightly positive. “Mixed sentiment prevailed, with investors opting for portfolio switching and some profit-taking,” he said.
On the news front, Pakistan and the United States were finalising details of a trade deal, while Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb signalled significant US investment in multiple sectors. Meanwhile, Barrick Mining sought $3.5 billion from global lenders, including US-backed institutions, for the Reko Diq copper and gold project.
Bank Alfalah, HBL, Systems Limited, Meezan Bank, and National Foods contributed 417 points to the index, while Fauji Fertiliser Company, Mari Petroleum, Oil and Gas Development Company, Pakistan State Oil, and Bank AL Habib collectively dragged it down by 527 points.
Najib said progress on resolving circular debt could boost sentiment further, though a mild correction remains possible. Key support levels are seen at 145,000 and 143,000, with resistance at 150,000.
Overall, volumes rose to 691.7 million shares from Monday’s 611.2 million, while traded value increased to Rs44.6 billion from Rs44 billion. Out of 482 companies traded, 208 advanced, 242 declined, and 32 remained unchanged. Yousuf Weaving Mills led the volumes with 46.3 million shares, rising by Rs1 to close at Rs6.09.
