Karachi – The Pakistan stock Exchange (PSX) continued its remarkable ascent today, achieving a new milestone by closing above ⁤158,000 points for the ⁤first time ever. While the KSE-100 index finished the session with a modest 0.05% gain at 158,037 points,the day’s trading revealed a complex interplay of investor sentiment.

The​ market experienced meaningful volatility, swinging between ⁢an intraday high of 159,337 points and a low of 157,522 points. This fluctuation underscores a cautious approach from investors,many of whom are balancing optimism with concerns about upcoming futures contract rollovers and derivatives expiry. the index’s ability to ultimately defend the 158,000-point mark, as noted by Ali najib, Deputy Head of Trading at Arif ​habib Ltd, ⁢speaks ‍to underlying strength despite the⁤ week’s “roller-coaster” ride.

Several key stocks drove the ​day’s performance. ​Hub Power, Oil and Gas Development Company, Bank of Punjab,⁤ Systems Ltd, and PSO contributed a collective 663 points to the index’s gains. ⁣However, these advances⁣ were partially offset by losses in United Bank, Engro Holdings, Habib Bank, Fauji Fertiliser, and Mari ‍Energies, which collectively subtracted 248 points.

Increased market participation suggests growing interest, with trading volume rising 4.52% to exceed 2 billion shares. The value of​ trades also saw a substantial increase, jumping 21.67% to reach Rs69.2 billion. Cnergyico PK was the most actively traded stock, with 170.2 million shares​ changing hands.

Beyond the‍ Gains: A Growing Current account⁤ Deficit

However,