Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) Opens Steady Amidst Cautious Investor Sentiment

Date: March 12, 2025​

Opening Update: As of 9:30 AM, the KSE-100 Index opened at 114,177.65 points, reflecting no change from the previous close. The market commenced trading on a steady note, with investors exhibiting caution amidst ongoing economic evaluations. ​

Previous Session Recap: On March 11, 2025, the KSE-100 Index experienced a slight decline, closing at 114,177.65 points, down 178.69 points or 0.16% from the prior close. The market exhibited mixed sentiments, influenced by the State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) unexpected decision to maintain the key policy rate at 12%, despite cooling inflation. ​

Key Indices Performance:

• KSE All Share Index: 71,009.16 points, a decrease of 22.52 points (0.03%)​
• KSE-30 Index: 35,309.69 points, down 37.50 points (0.11%)​
• KMI-30 Index: 173,005.50 points, an increase of 871.92 points (0.51%)​

Market Activity:

• Total Volume Traded: 318,518,329 shares​psx.com.pk
• Total Value Traded: PKR 22.88 billion​arynews.tv
• Number of Trades: 198,024​

Top Gainers:

1. Oil & Gas Development Company (OGDC): Increased by 1.89%​
2. Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL): Rose by 2.88%​
3. Mari Petroleum (MARI): Gained 8.69%​

Top Losers:

1. Pakgen Power (PKGP): Decreased by 7.83%​
2. Cnergyico PK (CNERGY): Fell by 0.25%​
3. Interloop Limited (ILP): Dropped by 15.57%​

Market Insights: The SBP’s decision to pause its rate-cutting cycle, despite cooling inflation, reflects a cautious approach to potential price risks, including global tariff escalations. Economists suggest that while lower interest rates aim to stimulate growth, they should be complemented by structural reforms in taxation, energy, and privatization to foster sustainable economic development. ​

Outlook for Today: Analysts anticipate that the market will trade within a narrow range as investors digest the implications of the SBP’s monetary policy stance. Focus may shift towards sectors resilient to interest rate fluctuations, such as oil and gas, which have recently shown positive performance. Investors are advised to monitor global economic indicators and domestic policy developments to make informed decisions.​

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