KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) drew a record 25,747 new investors in October 2026, according to figures provided by the exchange. That brought its total investor base to 681,965.
New investor sign-ups in October rose 66 per cent from the same month last year, while the overall investor base grew 56 per cent annually.
Strong growth continues through the first ten months
Between January and October, 218,894 new investors joined the exchange. The number added over those 10 months alone exceeded the total increase recorded over the previous four years, underlining a faster pace of participation in Pakistan’s equity market.
The latest figures follow a sustained rise in retail participation during 2026. The PSX had added a record 25,281 investors in September, lifting its base to 656,218 at the end of that month, according to figures previously reported by the Finance Ministry.
Young investors account for most October additions
Generation Z and millennials made up 85 per cent of new investors in October. The report said the trend reflects growing interest in the capital market, with digital platforms making access easier.
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has pursued reforms to widen the investor base, improve financial literacy and simplify digital onboarding, particularly for young people.
Experts stress investor education and transparency
A wider retail base can broaden investment opportunities and strengthen the domestic pool of savings available to businesses, which is why the expansion is seen as important for the market.
Market experts, however, stressed the need for investor education, transparency and protection to keep participation steady through market fluctuations.
