What Happens When Beasts Roam the Earthen Markets

Needless to say, a stock market is a very interesting playground; things change quite quickly and decisively. A few days ago we saw a bearish trend in the market and now the trend has changed to bullish. These were the levels and prices where everyone was selling and leaving the market; now, everyone’s back on the wagon again, everyone wants to buy and make money.

Last week the bullish trend continued. The Index crossed 11,000 points once again. There was an overall increase in 464 points in KSE-100 index. Though it was the last week of January trading, buying was strong in that it did not affect the pursuant bullish trend. On Wednesday and Thursday, the Index increased by 150 and 175 points respectively.

The (Passed) Winds of Change: Part 1

The reports by the agencies below that came around mid-December have been issued pertaining to our present economic condition and a look into the future. SBP primarily touted foreign investments for last half year, drooling from the prospects of privatizations in the couple of years to come. And, as usual, there was some news directing the path of KSE. Let’s have a brief look on the reports first.

Recovery After Crash

After the index breaking the 9,900 level last month, started to rise gradually. When such a crash comes there is a level where short sellers start profit taking, so there is a slight change in the trend. Secondly the prices came on the lower level that they attracted the individuals to buy shares. As the future contracts for December were over and new month started so a fresh buying in Jan contracts was obvious. Another factor in my opinion which played the most vital role in supporting the index was the news that Prime Minister has postponed the decision to levy capital gain tax for next year. This made the institutions to come to the market for fresh purchasing. We saw that the index gained about 250 points in two days.

PC reviews OGDCL GDR

A team of joint lead managers led by Goldman Sachs and Citigroup made a detailed presentation before Privatisation Commission (PC) Board on the up to date position for the divestment of 10 to 15 per cent shares in Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) through Global Depository Receipts (GDRs) and a secondary domestic offering.

It was said in a press statement issued after Zahid Hamid, Federal Minister for Privatisation & Investment chaired a meeting of PC Board on Thursday.