Overview
- The KSE‑100 staged a short rally, gaining 546.13 points to close at 176,094.12 on Friday as buyers returned to the market.
- Investor sentiment improved when global crude prices eased and reports circulated that Pakistan was pushing to reinitiate diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran.
- Trading activity rose sharply with ready‑market volume near 880.95 million shares and broadly positive breadth as 273 of 493 listed stocks advanced.
- Large banking and industrial names led the move, with Engro Holdings, HBL, Lucky Cement, Bank Al Habib and Askari Bank contributing roughly 250 points to the index.
- Despite the late recovery, the PSX finished July down about 2.3% and market participants remain cautious because inflation, foreign‑exchange reserves, corporate results and shifting geopolitics will drive near‑term direction.