Islamabad: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) experienced a significant increase in its investor base over the first ten months of 2026, with a net addition of 218,894 investors. This growth represents a 47.3% increase from the beginning of the year, raising the total number of investors to 681,965 by the end of October.

According to Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), the month of October alone saw 26,843 new accounts opened, predominantly individual accounts. Young investors, particularly those aged 18-30, played a major role, opening 14,634 accounts. Collectively, individuals aged 18-45 opened 23,924 accounts, constituting 89.3% of new individual accounts for the month. The data also revealed a gender disparity, with men opening 85.4% of new accounts.

Regionally, Punjab and Sindh led in the number of new accounts, together accounting for 83.9% of the total. Meanwhile, other regions such as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Islamabad, and Balochistan contributed smaller numbers. The Pakistan Mercantile Exchange also reported growth, with 1,077 new accounts in October.

Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu, Chairman of SECP, emphasized the importance of simplifying access to investment and safeguarding investor rights. The SECP has embarked on a nationwide campaign to boost the stock-market investor base, targeting 2.5 million investors. The recent expansion in the investor base coincides with a 43.5% rise in the benchmark KSE-100 Index and the approval of 14 initial public offerings during the fiscal year 2025-26.