. Improvement in leading macro indicators such as growth in exports (highest monthly number since Sep 2013) as well as consistent increase in SBP forex reserves had the investors maintain an upbeat sentiment, especially on the banking sector stocks, which were relatively laggard in the previous bull run. Banking sector stocks contributed the most to the Index in terms of points, however, selling pressure was observed in O&GMCs (among which, PSO saw the most attrition in the MoC). Among textile, ILP performed well on the back of announcement of textile policy in the coming week. Scrips that led the volumes include BYCO (163.4M shares), followed by HUMNL (44.8M) and PRL (37.9M).

· The Index closed at 45,654pts as against 45,344pts showing an increase of 310pts (+0.7% DoD). Sectors contributing to the performance include Banks (+160pts), Engineering (+25pts), E&P (+21pts), Textile (+21pts) and Fertilizer (+21pts).

· Volumes increased from 641.4mn shares to 696.4mn shares (+8% DoD). Average traded value however declined by 15% to reach US$ 135.1mn as against US$ 159.5mn.

· Stocks that contributed significantly to the volumes include BYCO, HUMNL, PRL, KEL and LOTCHEM, which formed 45% of total volumes.

· Stocks that contributed positively to the index include UBL (+49pts), MCB (+38pts), OGDC (+26pts), BAHL (+25pts) and HBL (+21pts). Stocks that contributed negatively include FFC (-17pts), PSO (-15pts), MARI (-11pts), KOHC (-6pts) and UNITY (-5pts).