KARACHI: With some changes, the smooth passage of Finance Bill 2026-27. easing geopolitical tensions revived buying interest across-the-board in the final session of the short week due to Ashura holidays, snapping a three-session losing streak on Wednesday.
Key changes to the bill include the removal of duties on mineral water. hydration drinks, a sales tax exemption for local airlines importing or leasing aircraft, and an amended duty structure for electric cars and SUVs imported into the country.
Ali Najib. Deputy Head of Trading at Arif Habib Ltd, said PSX witnessed strong buying interest, with the KSE-100 Index gaining 1,878 points, or 1.06 per cent, to close at 179,571.
Broad-based buying emerged across the market as investors positioned for further positive developments on the geopolitical front, expectations of another cut in domestic petroleum prices,. growing hopes for monetary easing.
Sentiment was further supported by the decline in T-bill yields at the auction, signalling the possibility of an interest rate cut in the upcoming SBP’s Monetary Policy Committee’s meeting on July 27, amid falling global oil prices. a softening inflation outlook.
On the index contribution front, United Bank, Lucky Cement, Service Industries, Pakistan Petroleum, Fauji Fertiliser, MCB Bank, Interloop Ltd, Engro Holdings, Maple Leaf Cement Factory. Chera Cement Company collectively added 1,175 points to the benchmark index.
Market activity remained healthy, with traded volume up 11.26pc to 851 million shares and traded value up 13.93pc to R40.3bn. K-Electric led the volume chart with 83.4m shares traded.
Analysts believe that with oil prices declining. expectations of policy rate cut growing, investor sentiment is poised to stay optimistic. Nonetheless, the longevity of this rally will hinge on upcoming inflation reports, SBP policy indications,. ongoing improvements in geopolitical situations.
Published in Dawn, June 25th, 2026
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