PSX gains 2,000 points during intraday trade

The Pakistan Stock Exchange’s (PSX) benchmark index soared 2,000 points during early trade on Tuesday.

The KSE-100 index was up 2075.58 points from the previous close of 175,927.73 points by 10:24am.

The development came as global oil prices softened on Tuesday, with markets weighing reports of mediation efforts between the US and Iran against an exchange of fresh attacks between the two and threats of a naval blockade of Saudi Arabia by Yemen’s Houthis.

Brent crude futures eased 78 cents, or 0.9 per cent, to $88.44 per barrel by 0415 GMT. US West Texas Intermediate crude was down 73 cents, or 0.9pc, to $82.50 per barrel, while the more active contract for September delivery slipped 41 cents, or 0.5pc, to $82.07 a barrel.

Awais Ashraf, director of research at AKD Securities, said the market extended the previous session’s late recovery as “oil prices retreated from a one-month high amid renewed mediation efforts between the US and Iran”.

“Investor sentiment is also being supported by optimism surrounding the ongoing earnings season, with oil and gas exploration, cement, refinery and textile companies expected to post stronger-than-usual results,” he........

© Dawn Business