KARACHI: The Karachi Stock Exchange witnessed a notable increase in activity as key indices, KSE30 and KSE100, recorded significant gains. The KSE100 index rose by 960.33 points, an increase of 0.81%, closing at 119,931.46. The KSE30 index also saw an uptick, climbing 313.46 points, or 0.86%, to reach 36,596.85.

The gains were driven by strong performances from several stocks, with National Bank of Pakistan (NBP), National Refinery Limited (NRL), and Pakistan Oilfields Limited (POML) leading the pack as top gainers, each experiencing a 10% rise in their stock prices. NBP's stock price increased to 96.34, while NRL and POML saw their stock prices climb to 253.61 and 273.08, respectively.

Trading volume was robust, with the total volume of shares traded reaching 667.69 million, valued at 26.62 billion Pakistani Rupees, or 94.42 million US Dollars. K-Electric Limited (KEL) emerged as the volume leader with 103.66 million shares traded.

Despite the positive movement in key indices, some stocks faced declines. Standard Chartered Bank (SCBPL), JDW Sugar Mills Limited (JDWS), and National Foods Limited (NATF) were among the top losers, with SCBPL's stock price dropping by 4.21%.

The market capitalization of the Pakistan Stock Exchange stood at 14,454.24 billion Pakistani Rupees, marking a 0.85% increase from the previous day. Year-to-date figures for the fiscal year 2025 showed a substantial growth of 52.89% for the KSE100 index.

In regional markets, varying performances were noted. China's SSEA index rose by 0.2%, while India's BSESN index saw an increase of 0.5%. However, Malaysia's KLSE index faced a decline of 0.3%.

The Karachi Stock Exchange's positive momentum reflects a broader trend of investor optimism, fueled by favorable economic indicators and market conditions.