KARACHI:

The Pakistan Stock Exchange traded in positive territory in midday dealing on Friday, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index up 1,136.74 points, or 0.69%, at 166,873.49. The index had closed the previous session at 165,736.75.

By midday, the benchmark had ranged between a high of 167,483.48 and a low of 165,907.29. Trading volume stood at 190.98 million shares, while the value of shares traded reached Rs12.27 billion.

The early part of the session showed some volatility, consistent with profit-taking after recent strength and the usual slowdown linked to prayer timings. Investors often step back during this window, leading to lower volumes and quieter price action until trading resumes in the afternoon.

Read: PSX extends recovery for fourth session

The current reading keeps the index comfortably above the prior close, with the bulk of the day’s range still intact. Market participants will watch whether the post-prayers session sustains the upside or sees renewed selling pressure.

Broader sentiment continues to be shaped by recent corporate earnings, macro data and external developments, though no single driver dominated the midday tape.