Pakistan Market Wrap: From Peak to Pause: Profit-Taking Pulls Index Back – By HMFS Research
Jan 26 2026
HMFS Research
- The KSE-100 Index opened the session on a strong footing, extending its bullish run and touching a fresh intra-day high of 191,033. The upward momentum was supported by encouraging macroeconomic signals and anticipation surrounding earnings announcements from key blue-chip companies. However, sentiment turned cautious in the latter half of the session as elevated valuations prompted profit-taking, compounded by uncertainty ahead of the monetary policy decision. As expectations around the magnitude of a potential rate cut moderated, selling pressure emerged, pulling the benchmark into negative territory to close at 188,588—down 579 points.
- Trading activity remained healthy, with volumes of 450mn shares on the KSE-100 and 867mn shares across the broader market. Volume leaders for the day included KEL (173mn), WTL (37mn), and PIBTL (29mn). Market is expected to remain rangebound as the SBP announced a status quo on Policy rate. In addition, ongoing corporate result announcements and broader economic developments are likely to drive near-term market dynamics. Investors are advised to remain vigilant, assess evolving signals carefully, and focus on fundamentally strong stocks offering sustainable long-term growth.
