Stock index KSE-100 surges past 1,350 points due to robust buying activity

The Pakistani Stock Exchange (PSX) saw a positive development on Monday, September 1, 2025, as the benchmark KSE-100 Index closed higher by over 1,350 points. Despite a mixed performance across Asian markets, the rally in the cement sector and strong support from key stocks contributed to the upward trend.

The KSE-100 Index settled at 149,971.12, marking a gain of 0.91%. Notably, this was the 17th consecutive gain for the Pakistani rupee against the US dollar, appreciating 0.01% to settle at 281.75.

Earlier in the day, S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures indicated a positive start for Wall Street, with early Monday's S&P 500 futures up 0.2% and Nasdaq futures adding 0.3%. However, European and Asian markets showed a more mixed picture.

Asian shares started the new month in the red, with Japan's Nikkei falling 0.9%, tracking a drop in U.S. tech stocks on Friday. South Korea's market slipped 0.5%, while MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan inched down 0.1%.

The Asian Development Bank's announcement of funding in support of emergency relief efforts further lifted the market mood. However, a court ruling and anticipation for a US jobs report influenced the global market mood, causing some volatility.

In Pakistan, the equity market remained subdued during the previous week, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index slipping 875 points or 0.6%. On Monday, FFC, SYS, PKGP, BAFL, and HINOON lost ground, collectively dragging the index by 242 points.

However, top support to the index came from LUCK, OGDC, FCCL, BAHL, and NBP, which together added 691 points. The rally in the cement sector also contributed significantly to the increase in the KSE-100 Index.

It's worth noting that Pakistan retired Rs2,600 billion of debt before time, marking a first in the country's history. This positive financial move could potentially boost investor confidence in the future.

The dollar and bonds were little moved ahead of a busy week for data, indicating that market focus remains on economic indicators.

In summary, the Pakistani Stock Exchange closed higher on Monday, with the KSE-100 Index showing a gain of over 1,350 points. While Asian markets showed a mixed performance, the cement sector and key supporting stocks helped drive the positive trend in Pakistan.