April 15, 2026 (MLN): Stocks at the Pakistan Stock Exchange continued their upward momentum on Wednesday, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index posting strong gains, supported by improved macroeconomic sentiment and easing global oil prices amid renewed diplomatic optimism.

The KSE-100 Index closed at 168,519.94, rising 2,885.10 points or 1.74%. The index remained firmly in positive territory throughout the session, hitting an intraday high of 170,640.26 (+5,005.42 points) and a low of 168,182.98 (+2,548.14 points), reflecting sustained buying interest.

Trading activity surged significantly, with total volume in the KSE-100 Index recorded at 600.69 million shares. Market breadth remained overwhelmingly positive as 92 companies closed higher, 7 declined, and 1 remained unchanged, highlighting strong investor confidence.

Among the top gainers, SSGC (+10.02%), GAL (+10.00%), BOP (+7.30%), SAZEW (+6.73%), and KTML (+6.69%) led the rally. On the downside, only modest losses were seen in FATIMA (-1.14%), UPFL (-0.97%), BAHL (-0.76%), RMPL (-0.65%), and POWER (-0.42%).

In terms of index-point contribution, the gains were driven by UBL (+446.00 points), FFC (+292.99 points), HUBC (+279.30 points), MEBL (+123.35 points), and BOP (+109.76 points). Meanwhile, slight pressure came from BAHL (-35.58 points), FATIMA (-17.87 points), and UPFL (-4.14 points).

Sector-wise, the KSE-100 Index was supported by Commercial Banks (+931.98 points), Fertilizer (+351.81 points), Power Generation & Distribution (+319.77 points), Oil & Gas Exploration Companies (+225.00 points), and Automobile Assembler (+186.96 points), indicating broad-based strength across key sectors.

Investor sentiment was buoyed by positive macroeconomic developments, as the committed an additional $3 billion in deposits to Pakistan, with disbursement expected within the coming week. The development is expected to strengthen Pakistan’s external financing position and support currency stability, encouraging fresh inflows into equities.

Further support came from easing global which extended their decline after closing in negative territory in the previous session. The drop in oil prices improved sentiment for energy-importing economies like Pakistan by reducing inflationary pressures and external account risks.

At the same time, investors remained focused on geopolitical developments, as discussions around a potential second round of negotiations between the United States and Iran gained traction. The renewed diplomatic momentum raised hopes that tensions in the Middle East could ease further.

The optimism follows earlier indications that talks aimed at reducing regional tensions may resume before the end of the fragile two-week ceasefire period, keeping markets hopeful of a more stable outlook.

In the broader market, the All-Share Index closed at 100,327.69, gaining 1,641.75 points or 1.66%. Total market volume jumped to 1,205.84 million shares, while traded value surged to Rs59.42 billion, reflecting strong participation.

A total of 490 companies were traded during the session, of which 370 advanced, 83 declined, and 37 remained unchanged, underscoring the bullish sentiment across the market.

To note, the KSE-100 has gained 42,893 points or 34.14% during the fiscal year, whereas it has decreased 5,534 points or 3.18% so far this calendar year.

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