Karachi: The KSE-100 Index saw a decline of 68 points yesterday, closing at 138,597 with a trading volume of 608 million shares. This drop comes amidst a backdrop of mixed economic signals, as the country grapples with both challenges and opportunities in various sectors.
Top performers in terms of price change included PSEL, PABC, and AGL, while AICL, SRVI, and MEHT were among the top decliners. Trading activity was predominantly concentrated in investment companies, banks, and the transport sector.
In other economic developments, Pakistan's current account closed with a $328 million surplus in June, according to an advisor. The country attracted $2.45 billion in foreign direct investment during FY25 and has set an ambitious target of achieving $60 billion in exports over the next five years.
Inflation based on the Sensitive Price Index has shown signs of slowing down. Meanwhile, Aurangzeb, a key figure in the economic sphere, is eyeing what he describes as 'game-changer' investment discussions with the United States.
In efforts to enhance climate resilience, the government has halved export cargo handling charges at Karachi Port. The real effective exchange rate index depreciated to 96.6 in June, signaling potential challenges in the currency market.
The textile sector is facing a concerning 32% drop in cotton arrivals, though textile exports have risen by 7.2%, reaching $17.88 billion in FY25. The Pakistan Sugar Mills Association has called for the deregulation of the sugar industry.
Additionally, the bank deposit rate fell by 14 basis points in June, while information technology exports hit a record $3.8 billion in 2024-25. The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority has notified a Rs40 per unit tariff for K-Electric.
Further developments include the expansion of the Thar coal mining project and the payment of dues to independent power producers. The Prime Minister has also unveiled a plan to accelerate the country's shift to electric vehicles, while seeking agricultural partnerships with Saudi Arabia and Sudan.