The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) began the week with gains, as the benchmark KSE-100 Index added more than 300 points in early trading on Monday.
At 10:25am, the index reached 145,726.96, an increase of 344.17 points, or 0.24%. Buying activity was concentrated in sectors such as automobile assembly, banking, oil and gas exploration, and refining. Major companies including ARL, NRL, MARI, POL, HBL, MCB, MEBL, and UBL posted early gains.
This positive start follows a record-setting week, when the KSE-100 surged by 4,348 points, or 3.1%, to end at 145,383—its highest closing level.
International markets in Asia also recorded modest gains, driven by strong earnings in technology shares. Investors are now turning their attention to US inflation data expected on Tuesday. Analysts believe tariffs have contributed to price pressures, predicting a 0.3% monthly increase in core consumer prices, bringing the annual rate to 3.0%.
The outcome could influence the US Federal Reserve’s September decision on interest rates. While markets are pricing in a 90% chance of a rate cut, a sharp rise in inflation could temper expectations. A new Fed governor, Stephen Miran, may or may not participate in the vote, and the selection process for a new chair remains open to multiple candidates.
Trade tensions also remain a key consideration. The US tariff deadline on Chinese imports is set to expire on Tuesday, with market participants largely expecting another extension. Additionally, a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska on Friday is expected to focus on the Ukraine conflict.
