PSX: Buying returns as KSE-100 up 600 points
Buying interest was observed at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), with the benchmark KSE-100 Index gaining over 600 points during the opening minutes of trading on Monday. At 9:44am, the benchmark index was hovering at 177,810.60, up by 644.08 points or 0.36%. Buying was observed in key sectors, including automobile assemblers, cement, commercial banks, oil and gas exploration companies, power…
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) experienced a significant buying trend on Monday, with the KSE-100 Index soaring over 600 points in the opening minutes of trading. The benchmark index was recorded at 177,810.60, marking a 0.36% increase from its previous level. This surge in buying activity was observed across various key sectors, including automobile assemblers, cement, commercial banks, oil and gas exploration companies, power generation, and refineries.
Stocks such as HUBCO, ARL, MARI, OGDC, PPL, HBL, MCB, MEBL, and UBL all closed in the green. Earlier in the week, political and geopolitical tensions, coupled with uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and rising international oil prices, had negatively impacted investor sentiment at the PSX. The KSE-100 Index had opened the week at 180,104.61 points, only to close at 177,166.52 points, resulting in a week-on-week loss of 2,938.09 points or 1.6%.
Internationally, stock markets remained flat in Asia, and oil prices declined as investors awaited details of potential U.S. sanctions on Iran. The Canadian dollar also experienced a dip due to anticipated trade tensions with its southern neighbor. The tech sector, in particular, awaited Nvidia's results, which are expected to meet lofty expectations.
Analysts are anticipating a near doubling of Nvidia's quarterly revenue to approximately $92 billion, with full-year earnings guidance ranging from $103 billion to $105 billion. Market participants are also eagerly anticipating clarity on U.S. interest rate outlook during Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh's speech in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, on Friday.
Although Warsh is known for his reluctance to provide forward guidance, market participants expect a potential interest rate hike in September and a move by December. The odds could change based on the inflation figures released this week, with median forecasts for core inflation remaining steady at 3.3% in July. Early trading activity was relatively subdued, with the Nikkei index remaining near flat after a 4% decline the previous week.
South Korean shares experienced a slight decrease of 0.8%, while Taiwan shares dipped by 0.5%. MSCI's broader index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan also experienced a marginal decline of 0.2%. This report is an intraday update.
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