What is the Karachi 100 index?

This is the benchmark index of the Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE). It tracks the movement of 100 of the largest by market capitalisation and most actively traded stocks on the KSE, and is a key indicator of Pakistan’s economy as a whole.

Where have you heard about the Karachi 100 index?

Pakistan is one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, so analysts and investors keep a close eye on the Karachi 100 to watch growth in particular sectors. Since Nawaz Sharif took over as PM in 2013, the country's economy has revived after a tough few years.

What you need to know about the Karachi 100 index.

The Karachi 100 has seen huge growth since it was established with a base rate of 1,000 in 1991, passing 15,000 in April 2008. Since October 2012 it is a free-float index and in January 2017, it broke the 50,000 barrier for the first time.

To ensure full market representation, the index includes the company with the highest market cap from each sector represented.

As of February 2017, some of the highest priced shares listed on the KSE 100 included Pakistan Petroleum and Lucky Cement.

Until recently the Pakistan Stock Exchange is listed as a frontier market, but in May 2017 Pakistan become part of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. Pakistan is the first country since Qatar and the United Arab Emirates to earn the frontier-to-emerging promotion.