In a positive development, Pakistan Stock Exchange poised to hit 50,000 mark
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As anticipation mounts for the upcoming General Elections scheduled for January 2024, the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) appears poised for a significant surge, as indicated in a report by Topline Securities. According to Topline Securities' projections, the Pakistani market could potentially witness an impressive pre-election rally ranging from 8 to 10 percent, with the potential to breach the 50,000 mark. This optimistic outlook hinges on the assumption of a smoothly conducted election process and the approval of the IMF tranche in November.
Several crucial factors are expected to shape the short-term performance of the Pakistani market. These include the impending election, the trajectory of the Pakistani Rupee (PKR), and the outcome of the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) November review. Should the PKR maintain stability, following recent regulatory measures, local equities are poised to exhibit strong performance in the lead-up to the elections.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) recently confirmed that the General Elections are slated to take place during the last week of January 2024. It is worth recalling that the previous Assemblies were dissolved in August 2023, and as per constitutional provisions, General Elections should be held within 90 days of the dissolution of the National Assembly. Nevertheless, due to the necessary 2023 census and the subsequent delimitation process, which was approved on August 5, 2023, by the Council of Common Interests, this delay was widely anticipated. Consequently, there was a prevailing air of uncertainty surrounding the General Elections and their timeline.
In response to the announcement of the election schedule on Thursday, September 21, 2023, the PSX welcomed the news with enthusiasm, leading to a notable 1.2 percent increase in its performance over the course of two trading sessions. This positive market reaction signifies the growing confidence and optimism surrounding the forthcoming elections and their potential impact on the financial landscape of Pakistan.
In conclusion, the Pakistan Stock Exchange is poised for a pre-election rally in the lead-up to the January 2024 General Elections. Key factors such as political developments, currency stability, and IMF decisions will play a pivotal role in shaping the market's performance. The recent announcement of the election timeline has already spurred positive market activity, reflecting the hopeful sentiments of investors as they await the outcomes of this significant political event.
