{
  "id": 11103415,
  "title": "Stocks post modest gains on select buying",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/stocks-post-modest-gains-on-select-buying",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-10-01T03:52:08.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dawn Business",
    "slug": "dawn-business",
    "url": "https://www.dawn.com/news/2033861/stocks-post-modest-gains-on-select-buying"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On Wednesday, the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) saw a slight uptick in buying activity at appealing prices, allowing the KSE-100 index to briefly exceed 171,000 points intraday before settling below the day's peak. The index managed modest gains, ending the session 0.22 percent higher at 169,969.33 points, after initially surging over 1,892 points to a high of 171,492.53. However, profit-taking and geopolitical worries surrounding the US-Iran conflict caused many investors to cut their losses, limiting the rally. Despite the brief surge, the index failed to maintain gains above the significant psychological threshold of 170,000, marking the end of September below this milestone. The Ministry of Finance introduced a Strategic Action Plan for the Local Currency Bond Market, aiming to enhance market liquidity, expand the investor base, and fortify the rupee-denominated securities framework. Pakistan is reportedly contemplating allowing power plants and other private companies to directly import liquefied natural gas (LNG), as the government strives to bolster energy supplies without straining state finances. Trading activity saw an uptick, with 467 points added by Habib Bank, Meezan Bank, Lucky Cement, Fatima Fertiliser, Fauji Fertiliser, Engro Holdings, Engro Fertiliser, United Bank, Systems Ltd, and Mari Energies. Trading volume increased by 4.08 percent to 591.23 million shares, and total turnover rose to Rs20.19 billion. Analysts cautioned that near-term market sentiment is expected to remain volatile and confined, with 170,000 serving as a crucial psychological pivot. Sustained buying above 170,000 could reignite momentum towards 171,500-172,500, whereas failing to hold this level could push the index down to 169,000-168,000. The International Monetary Fund's review, Middle East geopolitical developments, and crude oil prices are expected to keep the market's direction under constant watch.",
  "summary": "KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Wednesday witnessed strong buying interest at attractive valuations, propelling the benchmark KSE-100 index above 171,000 intraday before closing well below the day’s high, posting modest gains and snapping a two-session losing streak. Topline Securities Ltd said the index rallied over 1,892 points to hit an intraday high of 171,492.53 on selective…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}