Led by energy stocks, PSX gains 575 points

Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) ended Friday's session on a firm note as the benchmark KSE-100 index rose 575 points to close near 177,170. The index spent the first half of the day trading sideways before attracting buying interest later, when it touched the intra-day high of 177,583. Oil and gas stocks provided the main lift, with OGDC, Hubco and Attock Refinery among the strongest contributors. At the close of trading, the KSE-100 posted a rise of 574.76 points, or 0.33%, and settled at 177,166.52. Arif Habib Limited (AHL), in its report, noted that the benchmark index gained 575 points during the day. Resistance in the 178,000 to 180,000 zone held firm, with the high recorded near 177,600. Market breadth was positive, as 62 shares advanced while 37 declined. Oil and Gas Development Company, Hub Power and Attock Refinery were among the strongest contributors to the index gains, rising 1...