INP-WealthPk

Rupee Appreciation Puts Positive Impact on Stocks

November 09, 2021

By Hamid Mahmood ISLAMABAD, Nov 09 (INP-WealthPK): The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed an uptick in activity last week as the rupee strengthened somewhat and global crude prices dropped a bit. The stocks also were buoyed by the announcement of the relief package by the prime minister for the poor segments of society. The stock market ended the week with a positive note though with a little dip in the total business. The market's sentiment shifted as a consequence of some positive news. Trading started at 46,218 points on Monday and concluded at 47,295.80 on Friday, posting a rise of 1,077 points week over week. On the first trading day on Monday, stocks rose to new highs as the government seemed to have struck a deal with the International Monetary Fund for the continuation of its loan facility. The KSE-100 Index increased by 790.07 points, or 1.71%, to close at 46,974.78 points. During the session, the index hit a high of 47,257.13 and a low of 46,184.71 points. Stocks climbed higher the next day on Tuesday, driven by a boom in construction activity, a recovering rupee and anticipated resumption of the IMF loan facility. The 100 Index rose 138.14 points, or 0.29%, to end at 47,112.92 points, with the day's highs and lows being 47,314.75 and 46,974.78 points, respectively. Stocks fell in choppy trade on Wednesday, as investors chose caution over risk as they awaited the central bank’s policy cues. The KSE-100 Index fell 80.48 points, or 0.17%, to 47,032.44 points, down from 47,112.92 points the previous day. The highest index of the day was 47,320.07 points, while the lowest was 46,968.28 points. Stocks rose somewhat on Thursday, despite sluggish participation, as worries about rising global coal prices and food inflation dampened mood, while caution lingered ahead of the Federal Reserve's policy decision, brokers said. The 100 Index rose 186.74 points, or 0.40% to 47,219.18 points, after reaching highs and lows of 47,242 and 46,937.07 points, respectively. The PSX started with a positive note and ended with a dip, but remained overall positive on Friday. Positive sentiments caused by Prime Minister Imran Khan's announcement of relief package, along with concerns about a hike in local oil prices had a mixed effect on the stocks at the day’s end. The 100 Index gained 76.62 points, or 0.16%, to finish at 47,295.80 points. The day's high and low were 47608.46 and 47184.15 points, respectively. The table below shows the weekly summary of major index trading in PSX with their percentage change over the week. Graphically, PSX Indices show a weekly trend.

Index Week End Week Start Change % Δ
KSE 100 Index 47,295.80 46218.92 1,076.88 2.3
All Shares Index 32,256.96 31637.04 619.92 1.9
KSE 30 Index 18,355.54 17941.3 414.24 2.3
KMI 30 Index 76,577.44 74698 1,879.44 2.5
Source: PSX During the week, foreign investors earned a profit of up to $11.18 million more than the last week. The rupee's recent appreciation is the cause for minimal selling. Foreign corporations earned the highest profit of the week at $9.76 million followed by mutual funds selling up to $6.30 million. Banks sold their shares up to $3.82 million. Individuals bought the highest shares of the week up to $14.45 million followed by insurance companies $6.46 million shares. According to analysts, the stock market is expected to remain optimistic during the next week. Appreciation in the value of the rupee against the US dollar, a fall in the international oil prices and the prime minister’s relief package may bring positive changes in the coming week. Investor sentiment is predicted to remain high. Furthermore, they said given the current earnings season, several industries and equities were expected to maintain their prominence. Due to fears over inflation largely caused by increasing local petrol prices, investors are expected to remain cautious. In the short-term, investors should cherry-pick profit-taking corporations like automobiles, cement and oil refineries.