Pakistan Stock Exchange Hits Record High of 170,862

The Pakistan Stock Exchange began the new trading week with remarkable momentum, hitting an all-time high of 170,862 points in early trading on Monday. The benchmark KSE-100 index rose by 997 points, surpassing the previous session's close of 169,864.52 points. This surge is attributed to sustained investor interest in key sectors and growing optimism that monetary conditions will remain stable in the near term.

Market participants are particularly focused on the upcoming monetary policy announcement by the State Bank of Pakistan. Investors are hopeful that the central bank will maintain its policy rate at 11%, amid rising concerns about inflation, especially food prices. Despite the inflationary pressures, analysts expect no change in interest rates as the central bank balances its monetary stance to manage both economic growth and inflation.

Additionally, the Pakistani rupee showed mild strength against the US dollar, continuing a trend of gradual improvement. As the dollar slipped to Rs280.30 in the interbank market, this positive momentum was also supported by better market sentiment and easing demand pressures.