Equities resume recovery drive amid easing tariff tensions

After experiencing significant losses in the preceding week due to global uncertainty stemming from the tariff impositions by the US against its trade partners, the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) began its recovery thanks to positive economic developments in the outgoing week. Concerns about global trade eased, helping global equities rally and reduce losses as US President Donald Trump signalled a possible end to the tariff disputes between the US and China on Thursday. Arif Habib Ltd said the KSE-100 index remained green throughout the week, crossing the 117,000 level, driven by improved macroeconomic indicators and positive sectoral developments. A major boost came after the announcement of the current account for March, which posted a record surplus of $1.2bn. Furthermore, progress on resolving the power sector’s circular debt further lifted the market sentiment, given leading banks finalised a Rs1.275tr rescue package to stabilise the sector and bolster hopes for structural reforms.