28/04/2026
What You Should Know Today
April 28, 2026
Key Headlines
1. SBP hikes policy rate by 100bps to 11.5pc.
2. UK, Canada and Egypt FMs discuss regional situation, stress talks and diplomacy in calls with Dar.
3. Pakistan, China agree to deepen cooperation in desalination, agriculture, tea production sectors.
Market Outlook: 100bps Hike: Stability First, Markets to Adjust
The State Bank of Pakistan’s latest decision to raise the policy rate by 100bps to 11.5% underscores a clear shift toward a proactive monetary stance, prioritizing macroeconomic stability over short-term growth concerns. The central bank has signaled that inflation is likely to remain above target in the near term, justifying early action rather than delayed tightening. Policymakers appear focused on safeguarding the economic gains achieved so far, with the view that acting sooner reduces the risk of more aggressive measures later. Encouragingly, the SBP governor also indicated that foreign exchange reserves are projected to reach USD 18 billion by June, providing an added cushion to external account stability.
From a corporate perspective, the rate hike is unlikely to materially disrupt earnings momentum. Large-cap corporates are expected to absorb the marginal increase in borrowing costs, especially given relatively strong balance sheets and pricing power in key sectors. In fact, segments of the market may benefit from the current policy stance—particularly the energy chain, where companies with strong cash positions stand to gain from higher interest income, alongside select banks and other cash-rich entities. This reinforces the need for investors to stay focused on underlying profitability rather than short-term policy noise.
The KSE-100 Index may witness initial pressure in today’s session as investors react to the rate hike; however, any dip should be viewed as an opportunity to accumulate fundamentally strong stocks at attractive valuations. With macro stability measures in place and reserve buildup providing confidence, the broader market direction remains intact. Investors are advised to selectively build positions in cash-generative sectors, particularly energy and banking, while keeping a close eye on earnings resilience in a higher interest rate environment.
Top Picks
OGDC, PPL, PSO, UBL, MEBL, FFC, FATIMA, CHCC, MLCF, DGKC, SAZEW, GHNI, ATLH, INDU, ISL, ASL, PSX, PTC, GCIL, PAKT, AGIL, GGL, CEPB, SRVI, PTL
Important Board Meetings Today
JVDC, MTL, JSBL, TOMCL, PAKT, CHCC, NATF, GCWL, GCIL, GGL, NPL, NCPL, ASL, IBLHL, TGL, CEPB
Corporate Briefing
ENGROH, HBL, HALEON
Start of Ex-Price today
Habib Bank Limited - 60%(i)
Last Day of Entitlement
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Other Key Events Today
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Results to be Announced at Market Open
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