Karachi: The KSE-100 index witnessed range-bound activity, closing the trading session at 188,380 points, marking an increase of 178 points from the previous day. Trading volumes rose to 954 million shares, compared to 749 million shares in the previous session.

According to JS Global, the current pattern indicates further consolidation for the index. A decline below the 188,180 mark, which was the low of the previous session, could trigger a corrective trend with potential downside targets at 187,044 and 184,579 points. Conversely, an upward movement would encounter resistance between the 188,580 and 189,190 levels, with a further resistance level at 191,033. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) has shown improvement, while the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) lacks a clear trading direction. Investors are advised to exercise caution on the higher side and consider waiting for price dips. Support and resistance levels are noted at 187,978 and 188,983 points, respectively.

In specific stock strategies, HBL's price has stabilized, with a recommendation to 'buy on dips' targeting prices of Rs352.09 and Rs358.93, with a stop-loss at Rs341.53. PPL shows a positive trend, with a similar 'buy on dips' strategy aiming for Rs285.48 and Rs291.95, and a stop-loss at Rs275.00.