Friday, August 07 2026

Selling returns to PSX, benchmark index down over 700 points
After days of buying momentum, selling returned at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) amid concerns around the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index shedding over 700 points during the opening minutes of trading on Friday. At 9:30am, the benchmark index was hovering at 181,036.87, down by 739.72 points or 0.41%. Selling was observed in key sectors, including automobile assemblers, cement, commercial banks, fertiliser, oil and gas exploration companies and OMCs. Index-heavy stocks, including MARI, OGDC, POL, PPL, PSO, SSGC, MCB, MEBL and NBP, traded in the red.
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Pakistan Stock Exchange crosses 600,000 investors for the first time
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) crossed the 600,000-investor mark for the first time in its history, reflecting a sharp increase in retail participation and growing confidence in the country’s capital markets. According to data shared by the Finance Ministry on Thursday, the total number of investors reached 607,025 in July, while 23,973 new accounts were opened during the month, marking the second-highest monthly investor addition on record. The ministry said the latest expansion had been driven largely by Generation Z and first-time retail investors, signalling broader participation in Pakistan’s equity market.
Related news categories: business economic-indicators psx stock-exchanges

PSX Closing Bell: Green Machine
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) extended its winning streak on Thursday, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index gaining nearly 1,762 points as broad-based buying persisted across heavyweight sectors, led by commercial banks, oil & gas exploration, cement, fertilizer, and power stocks. Investor sentiment remained upbeat as oil prices declined after reports of progress in talks between Iran and Oman, which could pave the way for a broader U.S.-Iran peace agreement and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The easing concerns over potential disruptions to global energy supplies helped improve risk appetite and supported equity markets. The benchmark KSE-100 Index concluded Thursday's trading session at 181,776.59, showing an increase of 1,761.66 points or 0.98%.
Related news categories: business economic-indicators psx stock-exchanges

Meezan Bank H1 profit rises 3%, declares Rs8 dividend
Meezan Bank Limited (PSX: MEBL) recorded a 3% increase in its consolidated net profit for the six months ended June 30, 2026, with profit after taxation climbing to Rs48.64bn from Rs47.14bn in the corresponding period last year. Showing this steady bottom-line growth, the bank's basic earnings per share (EPS) expanded to Rs26.71 from Rs25.97 in 1HFY25, while diluted EPS rose to Rs26.54 from Rs25.81. The Board of Directors has declared an interim cash dividend of Rs8.00 per share (80%) for the half year ended June 30, 2026. This is in addition to the interim dividend of Rs7.50 per share (75%) already paid. Total income grew 6% year-on-year to Rs153.02bn from Rs144.18bn in the prior period.
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Pakistan’s short-term FX liabilities stands at $24bn
Due to maturing foreign currency loans, securities, and deposits, Pakistan's foreign currency assets are expected to see a net outflow of $24.28bn, according to the latest liquidity report released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). The total outflow is categorized based on residual maturity, with the most pressing concern being the more than three months up to one-year segment, which accounts for a substantial $15.63bn. Meanwhile, outflows of $6.68bn are due within the next month, and an additional $1.97bn is payable between the one-to-three-month window. The principal outflows amount to $20.64bn, of which $12.90bn falls in the more than three-month up to one-year maturity range.
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