The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) maintained its winning streak on Wednesday, as the benchmark KSE-100 index crossed the 80,000 mark for the first time in history.

The bullish sentiment persisted throughout the trading session, with the benchmark index closing at 80,233.67, a gain of 680.79 points or 0.86%.

Buying was observed across key sectors, including cement, chemicals, commercial banks, oil and gas exploration companies, oil marketing companies, and refineries.

Major index-heavy stocks, such as HBL, MCB, NBP, OGDC, PPL, PSO, SHEL, SNGPL, SSGC, and PRL, traded in the green.

The KSE-100 index has risen more than 10% since the presentation of the FY25 budget on June 12, buoyed by optimism surrounding the expected International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout package to support the struggling economy of the South Asian country.

The government announced that after the conclusion of an agreement with the IMF this month or the next, a comprehensive reforms agenda would be unveiled to the nation. The agenda aims to increase the tax-to-GDP ratio to 14% and boost exports and investment.

On the previous trading day, Tuesday, the bullish momentum continued at the PSX, with the benchmark KSE-100 index reaching a new record high of 79,552.89, a gain of 728.55 points or 0.92%, driven by optimism over the impending IMF deal.