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KSE-100 Index Gains 111 Points Amid Mixed Market Sentiment
Market balances gains in Fertiliser, Tractor, and Banking sectors with concerns over trade deficit and political tensions.
ND
by News Desk
2025-01-02
KSE-100 Index Gains 111 Points Amid Mixed Market Sentiment

Karachi: The benchmark KSE-100 index experienced mixed performance on Wednesday, gaining 111.57 points to close at 117,119.65, reflecting a 0.1% increase from the previous day. During intraday trading, the index peaked at 117,242.22, up 234.14 points (0.2%) from its last close of 117,008.08.

The market's cautious optimism came amid higher-than-expected trade deficit numbers and rising political tensions, analysts said.

Yousuf M. Farooq, research director at Chase Securities, remarked, “The market is jittery today due to higher-than-expected trade deficit numbers. Concerns about potential slowing in interest rate cuts by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) added to the unease.”

Farooq explained that while inflation was on a downward trajectory, with December’s CPI inflation recorded at 4.1% — the lowest in seven years — high import volumes could limit the central bank's flexibility for further rate cuts.

Awais Ashraf, director of research at AKD Securities, noted that political tensions also weighed on investor sentiment, particularly following the pardoning of individuals convicted of attacks on ideological sites.

Despite these concerns, several sectors performed well, providing support to the index.
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