· Today, another positive session was taped at the PSX. The benchmark KSE-100 index opened with the same optimistic feelings as the previous close, as the trade deficit shrank by 39.62% year on year to $23.71 billion in 10MFY23, providing investors a sense of optimism. Investor engagement surged considerably as mainboard volumes increased, although the banking and cement sectors remained market trendsetters.

· The index closed at 42,087.93 up by 160.29pts (+0.38% DoD). Sectors contributing to the performance include Cement (+139.5pts), Paper & Board (+21.8pts), E&P’s (+17.5pts), Food & Personal Care Products (+11.9pts), and OMC’s (+9.7pts).

· Volumes increased from 220.0mn shares to 289.8mn shares (+31.7% DoD). The average traded value also increased by +56.7% to USD 35.9mn as against USD 22.8mn.

· Stocks that contributed significantly to the volumes are WTL, HBL, MLCF, TPLP and FFL.

Courtesy – AHL