Equities hit all-time high on economic optimism

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) rallied to a historic high this week as investor sentiment turned bullish on the back of a newly signed trade agreement with the United States, better-than-expected fiscal performance, and a resilient corporate earnings season. The benchmark KSE-100 index gained 1.3 per cent week-on-week, closing at a record 141,035 points, up 1,828 points from the previous week. The rally, according to market analysts, reflects renewed confidence in Pakistan’s macroeconomic trajectory, driven by external engagement, monetary stability, and positive corporate earnings outlook. Topline Securities reported that the market remained largely range-bound at the start of the week as investors awaited June-quarter results. However, news of the US-Pakistan trade agreement later in the week boosted investor interest, particularly in export-led and energy-related stocks.