Pakistan’s benchmark KSE-100 Index closed at a record 130,344.03 points on 2 July, extending the strong start to the new fiscal year after ending the previous session at 128,199.43. The gauge added 2,144.61 points, or 1.67%, with trades worth Rs49.29 billion and more than a billion shares changing hands. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called the rally evidence of rising investor confidence, while analysts cited easing inflation and higher oil prices—which buoy energy and exploration stocks—for the continued buying. In neighbouring Bangladesh, key external-sector indicators also set fresh highs. Central-bank data show expatriate workers sent US$30.32 billion home in FY 2024-25, the largest annual inflow on record and 26.8% higher than the previous year; June alone brought in US$2.82 billion. Separately, Export Promotion Bureau figures indicate merchandise shipments climbed 8.6% to US$48.28 billion in the fiscal year, propelled by the US$39.35 billion garment industry. Policymakers in Dhaka expect the twin gains to ease pressure on foreign-exchange reserves and support growth despite lingering tariff and logistics risks.