The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) has reached a new high, crossing the 73,000-point mark as the KSE-100 index gained 427.45 points, closing at 73,085.5 on Friday. As of April 26th, the market capitalisation of PSX stood at 10,017,622.18 million PKR (approximately $36 billion USD), a significant increase from April 2023, when the market cap was 6,500,828.00 million PKR (approximately $21 billion USD). This remarkable growth of $14 billion in just a few months underscores the PSX’s position as the world’s top-performing stock market. This milestone reflects a surge in investor confidence, driven by expectations of a faster-than-anticipated decline in inflation.
Mohammed Sohail, CEO of Topline Securities, noted that the anticipation of a rapid drop in inflation has encouraged investors to buy shares in companies likely to benefit from lower interest rates. This positive sentiment has particularly boosted cyclicals, such as the cement sector, attracting significant interest from both local and foreign investors.
Yousuf M. Farooq, Director of Research at Chase Securities, indicated that traders are expecting inflation to fall to around 15% for May, with interest rates likely to decrease over the next financial year. This outlook has fuelled excitement among investors, further driving the market’s upward trend.
Raza Jafri, CEO of EFG Hermes Pakistan, highlighted that expectations of monetary easing are increasing, with real interest rates currently around +5% and the external account showing stability. The prospect of lower interest rates has revived interest in previously underperforming leveraged sectors, such as cement.
The recent surge in the PSX follows a mild recovery driven by factors such as the World Bank’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s structural reforms and sustainable development. Additionally, discussions on privatising state-owned enterprises, speculations about new loan negotiations with the IMF, and the anticipated visit of the Saudi crown prince to finalise investment deals under the Special Investment Facilitation Council have all contributed to the market’s positive momentum.
The PSX’s performance highlights growing investor confidence in Pakistan’s economic stability and growth prospects. As the market continues to set new records, it signals a promising future for various sectors, including real estate, which stands to benefit from increased foreign investment and economic stability. This upward trend in the PSX is a beacon of optimism for Pakistan’s economic revival, paving the way for sustained growth and prosperity.
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