Pakistan stocks closed higher at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Friday, driven by an earnings season rally and a positive outlook on corporate earnings.

Analysts attributed the gains to the upcoming monetary policy meeting on Monday, where the market anticipates a policy rate cut in the range of 100 to 150 basis points.

Particularly strong performance was observed in banking and fertilizer stocks, boosted by expectations of strong payouts. Contributing further to the surge was an International Monetary Fund (IMF) proposal to align CPP gas tariffs to RLNG prices, aimed at easing the gas circular debt issue.

Additionally, the approval of a $20 billion Conditional Performance Fund (CPF) loan from the World Bank acted as a catalyst for the positive market sentiment.

KSE-100 index gained 842.7 points or 0.74% to close at 114,880.49 points.

Indian stock indices fell on Friday, ending the week with losses. Various sectors saw significant drops.

Volatility in the market is driven by concerns over US President Trump’s policies and potential global trade disruptions. Weak domestic growth and foreign investor sell-offs are also impacting the markets.

BSE-100 index lost 166.75 points or 0.68% to close at 24,216.91 points.

The Dubai Financial Market (DFM) General Index shed 0.44% or 23.02 points to close at 5,225.54 points.

Commodities

Oil prices rose slightly on Friday but are still set to end the week lower. This follows President Donald Trump’s announcement of major plans to increase U.S. oil production and his demand for OPEC to reduce crude prices.

Brent crude prices increased 0.59% to $78.75 per barrel.

Gold prices rally amid weak dollar and Trump’s rate cut calls. Near-record highs fuelled by inflation fears, trade uncertainty, and dovish Federal Reserve.

Softer dollar, falling Treasury yields drive gold’s fourth consecutive weekly rise. Inflation concerns and softer tone on China tariffs boost gold demand as a global hedge.

International gold prices surged 0.84% reaching $2,779.74 per ounce.

Currency

US dollar remained steady against PKR in the inter-bank market. Pakistani currency settled at 278.75, a loss of 3 paisas against the US dollar. In the open market USD was trading at PKR 281.50.